Hollidaysburg Mayor Joseph Dodson presents the Gold Star Mothers plaque to Karen Cornell on Monday during Memorial Day services in Hollidaysburg. Cornell’s son, Spc. Chad Edmundson, was killed in Iraq in 2009. Mirror photo by Walt Frank

HOLLIDAYSBURG — The mother of a Williamsburg man who was killed in the line of duty was recognized Monday during Memorial Day services on the Diamond in Hollidaysburg.

Karen Cornell received the Gold Star Mothers banner, plaque and pin during the service sponsored by Fort Fetter American Legion Post 516.

Cornell’s son, Spc. Chad Edmundson, 20, was killed May 27, 2009, in Iraq near Abu Ghraib when a roadside bomb exploded while he and other members of the 56th Stryker Brigade were on patrol.

He was part of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard Company B, 2nd Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 56th Stryker Brigade, that left the Frankstown Armory in January 2009.

“Chad was killed nine years ago, and his mother was never presented these honors. We are correcting that oversight,” said Sam Dunkle, post commander.

Cornell said she was honored, stating that Sunday was the ninth anniversary of her son’s death.

“Chad lived to be a soldier, that was all he looked forward to. He knew the risks and was still willing to serve. We are very proud of him and still are. He is my hero,” Cornell said.

“We need to thank the family members of those who died, including Chad Edmundson, who gave the ultimate sacrifice,” said Blair County Judge Wade Kagarise, keynote speaker and U.S. Army veteran.

Dunkle said Memorial Day is our nation’s most solemn holiday.

“We are paying tribute to fallen service members who died serving our country. Memorial Day is known as the unofficial start of summer. There is nothing more important than what we are doing today, honoring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” said Dunkle, who served 23 years in the U.S. Army.

State Rep. Judy Ward, R-Hollidaysburg, said her father was a prisoner of war in World War II, her uncle was a pilot who lost his life in World War II and a cousin lost his life in Vietnam.

“Our family is aware of the sacrifice every day citizens make. We are a free people because of the brave. Remember the sacrifices that were made for our freedom,” Ward said.

Kagarise said those who gave the ultimate sacrifice have enabled people to enjoy the freedoms they have today.

“Remember the soldiers who bravely gave their lives in the line of duty. I challenge all of you today that we remember the rights and privileges given to us by those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. We have these privileges because of those who fought and died,” Kagarise said.

Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 946-7467.