Gold Star mother honored
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HOLLIDAYSBURG -- On a Monday morning filled with sun-splashed skies dotted with clouds, Hollidaysburg was the site of the annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony sponsored by the American Legion Post 516.
Though the youngsters in the sizable crowd were there to see the numerous police cars, plus fire trucks from Duncansville, Lakemont, Geeseytown, Allegheny Township and the Phoenix departments, the majority of the crowd was on hand to pay tribute to those military men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
"This was all about honoring those who gave their life serving their country. That is the purpose of this holiday," said Sam Dunkle, master of ceremonies from Post 516. "It's not about the veterans who were here today; it's not about the sales going on. It's about honoring the fallen, and that is what we need to do as our primary task."
It was the reason why MaryAnn Hook was being honored by Post 516 on the large stage on the diamond in the downtown area.
Surrounded by her family and friends, Hook received the Gold Star plaque, banner and coin for her son, U.S. Army SP4 Michael Hook, of Altoona, who was killed on Aug. 22, 2007, in a Black Hawk helicopter crash while serving in Iraq.
Because of the emotional nature of the event, Hook, instead of speaking herself, had a letter, written by her daughter, Marsha Weatherwalk, read by Post chaplain Cindy Dunkle to the crowd.
"He had so much pride in the things that he did accomplish in his almost 26 years of his life, just two days short of his birthday," the letter read. "Michael lived every day filled with laughter and lived it like it was his last. Michael made a lot of memories to those he loved and to people who knew him well."
Sam Dunkle, who was thrilled with the size of the turnout that included Hollidaysburg's junior and senior high marching bands, pointed out that Post 516 has honored several fallen soldiers from the area over the years, and that there are still more out there that they want to honor.
"It is very hard to do. The only thing harder to do is to present the flag at the funeral," he said. "We have made it our post mission to honor every Gold Star mother. And regrettably, there are more to honor. There are at least six more in central Pennsylvania that we need to present them to."
Retired U.S. Brigadier General Donald Butler, a Hollidaysburg native, who, as the keynote speaker, entertained and informed the crowd with his stories of getting troops home after World War II. From taxi cab drivers in Los Angeles taking servicemen home to Chicago, to strangers welcoming soldiers into their homes for Christmas dinner so that they would not be alone for the holidays, Butler could not help but beam with pride while addressing his audience.
"I am so proud to be a part of a country where there were those who sacrificed their tomorrows for our todays," he said.
Patrick Podoletz, 57, of Hollidaysburg has attended the parade with his family for the last 10 years. He could not think of a better place to be on a Memorial Day morning.
"America needs a day like this to honor those who gave all," he said. "Can you imagine what it would be like without the freedoms we have?"