DURYEA – A Memorial Day ceremony in the borough brought out over 200 people to dedicate a Casualties of War monument and to honor those lost in service to their country.
Mayor Keith Moss said the monument was made possible by the cooperative efforts of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1227, the American Legion Brennan-Regan Post 585 and the Duryea Betterment Committee.
Forty-five names etched into the monument reflected those who had lost their lives in military conflicts, from the Civil War to the War on Terrorism.
VFW Post Commander Danny Stella addressed those gathered, saying, “These men and women are worth far greater recognition than words of markers. The sacrifices they made and the deeds they performed shall be written in history and shall remain alive in our memories for generations to come.”
Stella reminded attendees of the impact the death of the soldiers had on others.
“These American defenders left our schools, our shops and our farms to take up weapons against the foes,” he said. “They left peacetime pursuits with confidence in their hearts and assurance on their lips. They were aware of the dangers before them, yet they responded without hesitancy to the call of duty.”
Stella recalled with emotion, his friendship with Dale Kridlo, an honoree on the wall, who lost his life in Afghanistan in 2010.
Kridlo, who served as a corporal in the United State Army, was scheduled to return home for Christmas that year.
“One of the fondest memories I have of Dale is watching the Super Bowl at his house as freshmen in high school,” he said. “Every friend or family member here today has a similar story, similar memories.”
State Rep. Michael Carroll lauded community members with “wonderful planning” that made erection of the monument a reality.
Carroll, D-Avoca, said it was a great honor to join with those gathered to remember the tremendous sacrifice of those who gave their lives in service to their country, calling that commitment “beyond comprehension.”
Stephanie Shupp, a member of the borough’s Betterment Committee, enjoyed participating in the monument project.
Shupp’s twin boys, Max and Ben, 8, assisted her in greeting attendees as they arrived at the ceremony.
When Ben was asked to participate in the ceremony, releasing balloons upon the dedication of the monument, the youngster was more than happy to participate.
Dominic Stella, 9, who also released balloons at the ceremony, enjoyed the day because of the chance to spend time with family and to honor fallen soldiers.
Stella, who has several family members who have served or are presently serving in the military, took time to explain the military usage of bayonets and how soldiers often fight man-to-man, putting themselves in great danger.
As the ceremony concluded with the firing of guns and the playing of taps, attendees remained somber, most of whom had quietly stood throughout the service.
“Each time that we pass this monument on foot or in our cars, we will again remember those who gave their lives for their country,” said Moss.
