Vets honored at Coitsville Park dedication

BY WILL HANLON

VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER

COITSVILLE — Coitsville Township Memorial Park was dedicated before a more-than-welcoming community Wednesday, honoring veterans and paying tribute to loved ones who served in the armed forces.

Gunpowder from a 21-gun salute filled the air, the sound of taps resonated from a trumpet, and all eyes gazed upon the American flag.

Afterward, bagpipes played “Amazing Grace,” followed by the song “Going Home,” which honors all deceased veterans — a more than suitable melody for the evening’s event.

“To me it is an honor to be a veteran,” said Ray Rubino, post commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars 7600.

“It’s a veteran thing, the memorial, and I’m more than honored to be a part of this.”

Rubino has lived in Coitsville Township his entire life, and said that five members from his family, including his father and his son, have served in the nation’s armed forces.

The ceremony

The dedication ceremony started with an invocation by the Rev. Robert M. Offerdahl of Coitsville Presbyterian Church, praising those who have made the sacrifice for peace and freedom.

New Castle Area Honor Guard led by Commander Tom Pirlozzi raised the flag, as Emily Partika of Girl Scout Troop 518 sang the national anthem.

The names and ranks of all local veterans from all five branches of the service were then read by fellow veterans. After the blasts of the 21-gun salute, a red, white and blue wreath was placed at the base of the flag.

“We had a very good response tonight,” said Phyllis M. Johnson, trustees board chairwoman.

“Our township has really mobilized to celebrate this event. We were eager to have our local ones remembered at an occasion like this.”

An honor

Since 1991, the New Castle Area Honor Guard has traveled across the country to participate in more than 150 events like this a year. Pirlozzi said he’s been a member for three years.

“To honor our fellow comrades, we go wherever we are asked to go,” Pirlozzi explained. “It was an honor for us to be here today.”

The memorial park property on the corner of U.S. Route 422 and Begala Road originally belonged to Dorothy and Clarence Morse, who were among the founders of the Coitsville Township Historical Society. After Morse’s death, her family made it possible for the Coitsville Township trustees to acquire the property. The park will now serve as a place for the community of Coitsville to gather to honor all veterans.

A heart-shaped path, which represents the heart of Dorothy Morse, lies in front of the pavilion. Johnson said the township plans to sell bricks with veterans’ names on them to their family members to fill in the path. Those interested should call Geri Marino at (330) 536-6420.