Loretto post dedicates monument with star-spangled ceremony

Loretto post dedicates monument with star-spangled ceremony

More than 150 people gathered at Post 748 in Loretto, Pa., for the dedication ceremony of the Loretto Area Veterans Memorial.

The project chairman for the memorial site was Larry Hoover, post chaplain. The Barlick Art Studio of Cresson, Pa., provided artistic design. Stephen Parks and Associates served as architects of the project. Ventura Construction Services of Duncanville, Pa., did the construction work, and Drahnak Landscaping of Ebensburg, Pa., landscaped the memorial.

At the ceremony, Post Commander Kenneth Clark welcomed veterans, friends and family from several surrounding communities. The St. Francis University marching band serenaded the crowd, and President Judge of Cambria County Court Timothy Creany gave the keynote speech at the special event.

William Wyland was recognized as the oldest Loretto Legion post member (more on that here: http://www.legiontown.legion.org/honors/968/68-years-service), and Kathleen Smith as the oldest Loretto Auxiliary member. Father Malachi Van Tassell offered a closing prayer, and then the band played "America the Beautiful."

Photo: Among those attending the Loretto, Pa.-Area Veterans Memorial dedication ceremony were Post 748's two oldest members: William Wyland and Kathleen Smith, who is in the Auxiliary.