- Last Updated on Sunday, 01 September 2013 00:38
By Ken Askew
Sacrifice. Honor. Gratitude. These were the often recurring words used at a recent event to recognize the military service provided by local veterans.
Sacrifice. Honor. Gratitude. These were the often recurring words used at a recent event to recognize the military service provided by local veterans.
![]() Governor Corbett expresses his appreciation for a Veteran’s service to our country. Behind him are the other Veterans who attended the ceremonies.
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On August 10, 2013, PA Representative Rick Saccone held the 2nd Annual Veteran’s Appreciation Day for former members of the military who reside in his 39th Legislative District .
Veterans and their families filled the social hall at the Broughton Volunteer Fire Department in South Park Township. There was plenty of picnic-style food and soft drinks provided by numerous local organizations.
Representative Saccone noted that attendees represented all branches of the military. As an Air Force veteran himself, and having spent a year as a US Diplomat in North Korea, he has a keen sense of appreciation for our military veterans, and the sacrifices they made so we can live in a free society. His son is currently serving in the Middle East.
Veterans and their families filled the social hall at the Broughton Volunteer Fire Department in South Park Township. There was plenty of picnic-style food and soft drinks provided by numerous local organizations.
Representative Saccone noted that attendees represented all branches of the military. As an Air Force veteran himself, and having spent a year as a US Diplomat in North Korea, he has a keen sense of appreciation for our military veterans, and the sacrifices they made so we can live in a free society. His son is currently serving in the Middle East.
![]() (l-r) PA Representative Rick Saccone, Brigadier General Carol Eggert, Bob Olsen (a resident of Pleasant Hills who served in the Merchant Marines in WWII), and PA Governor Tom Corbett.
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The keynote speech was given by Brigadier General Carol Eggert, Assistant Adjutant General of the Pennsylvania National Guard in Philadelphia. She mentioned that there are one million veterans in the state of Pennsylvania, which is the 4th largest group in the country. General Eggert emphasized that we should honor not only war-time vets, but peace-time vets as well.
PA Governor Tom Corbett (member of the PA National Guard 28th Infantry Division for 13 years) was the special guest; he echoed the sentiments of Eggert and Saccone in conveying his most heartfelt gratitude for the selfless efforts by those in attendance.
Mattie Winowitch entertained the troops with patriotic songs, bugling was provided by Gene Laus, and bagpipes were played by Michael Sortwell. Presentation of The Colors was conducted by Civil Air Patrol Squadron 603 (connected to the 911th Airlift Wing in Moon, PA); the US Naval Sea Cadets Battalion from North Versailles, PA joined them for a 21-gun salute.
PA Governor Tom Corbett (member of the PA National Guard 28th Infantry Division for 13 years) was the special guest; he echoed the sentiments of Eggert and Saccone in conveying his most heartfelt gratitude for the selfless efforts by those in attendance.
Mattie Winowitch entertained the troops with patriotic songs, bugling was provided by Gene Laus, and bagpipes were played by Michael Sortwell. Presentation of The Colors was conducted by Civil Air Patrol Squadron 603 (connected to the 911th Airlift Wing in Moon, PA); the US Naval Sea Cadets Battalion from North Versailles, PA joined them for a 21-gun salute.