History of the Project as of September 11, 2017
Franklin County Veterans and 9/11 Memorial Park
Project History
This is a summary of the project history and future vision of the “Historic Letterkenny Chapel and Franklin County Veterans and 9/11 Memorial Park”, integral to the military and spiritual history of the Letterkenny Chapel.
www.VeteranTrailPA.org. Webmasters Nathan Neil, LaunchUX, and Solinkit, LLC, Scotland, PA.
In 1995, the United Churches of the Chambersburg Area (UCCA) received title to the Chapel and its grounds; a Chapel constructed in 1945 by the Italian Prisoners of War who were being held here at Letterkenny Ordinance Depot, 1944-1945, before being Repatriated back to Italy in October 1945. The newly constructed Chapel was Dedicated on May 13, 1945, by the Apostolic Nuncio (The Pope’s Ambassador to the United Sates), and served for many years, as a Military Chapel. The UCCA committed itself to restoring and maintaining this beautiful property and furthering its ministry to succeeding generations.
In 2006, the late Senator Terry Punt developed a vision of a Franklin County Veterans’ Memorial for the Veterans of all our nation’s wars on the Chapel grounds. That vision was expanded in 2010 when the UCCA, with the help of Congressman Bill Shuster, received three steel beam sections from the remains of the 2001 destruction of the World Trade Center (WTC) for use in fashioning a suitable memorial for those who perished in and responded to the events of September 11.
The 10 year anniversary of the September 11, 2001 Attack on America was about to take place, and the newly formed 9/11 Memorial Committee, with the logistical assistance of Letterkenny Army Depot, conducted a kickoff Ceremony in Downtown Chambersburg, on Memorial Square, on Sunday, September 11, 2011. This was the formal beginning of efforts to raise public awareness, and funding, to develop Senator Punt’s vision and tribute to All Veterans. During the planning phase that ensued, the WTC Artifacts were moved from location to location on Letterkenny Army Depot and throughout the Community to enable all depot employees and the Franklin County Community to see and touch these steel beams that were temporarily fashioned into a mobile display.
The official Ground Breaking Ceremony was conducted on Monday, October 31, 2011, by the Commander of Letterkenny Army Depot, Colonel Cheri Provancha, along with State Senator Richard L. Alloway, II, Franklin County Commissioner Chairman David Keller, The Rev. Dr. William H. Harter, G. Warren Elliott, Charles Sioberg, Chaplain (LTC) Paul Yeun (USA, Ret.), Greg Lambert, Fire Chief William FitzGerald, Assistant Fire Chief Bill Dubbs, and William E. Snell, Jr., conducted a ground breaking ceremony to officially begin the construction effort. Additionally, during this event, William Snell, President and CEO, F&M Trust, made the first official monetary gift of $10,000 for sponsorship of the “911 Flag Display”. In the months ahead, planning accelerated; a Memorial Park design was established; and key sponsors were sought to achieve the first phase of this new place of tribute and remembrance, with a target date of Armed Forces Day 2012.
Local artist and sculptor, Michael Fisher, designed the 9/11 Memorial and the Veterans’ Memorial Park, and his associate, Peter Nicklas, Sunset Metal Works, fabricated the 9/11 Memorial; all in time for the official dedication ceremony conducted on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 19, 2012, with more than 400 in attendance.
The Memorial was dedicated by the First Counselor to the Apostolic Nuncio, the Vatican’s Ambassador to the United States, just as was done by the Apostolic Nuncio for this military Chapel in 1945. It is this history, in part, that established a strong Italian-American presence in Chambersburg in the years that followed. The keynote speaker was former Governor Mark Schweiker, along with Bishop Joseph McFadden, Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg. Special recognition was given to those citizens, known as “Homesteaders”, whose land and property was taken by the government in 1941, to construct Letterkenny Ordinance Depot, in response to the logistical needs of World War II. The 9/11 Memorial was unveiled in its permanent form by a special military and first responder honor guard. Eight flag displays were raised by sponsoring families and organizations (United States of America-Patriot Federal Credit Union; Commonwealth of Pennsylvania-Law Firm of Salzmann-Hughes; Franklin County-Commissioners and Visitor’s Bureau; POW-MIA-Hyatt and Hawbaker Families; U. S. Army-Orrstown Bank; U. S. Marine Corp.-M&T Bank; Firefighter-Senator Richard L. Alloway, II; and the 911 flag display-F&M Trust).
What you see before you is the result of an unprecedented, incredible rallying of a large number of individuals and organizations throughout the county, both public and private, with the Franklin County Commissioners and Visitor’s Bureau establishing the financial structure for this project to transition beyond Phase I construction. Greene Township Supervisors continued to provide the leadership and coordination of an aggressive construction pace. Each contributing entity was inspired to feel strongly that this Tribute of Remembrance must be part of the Franklin County fabric in the many years ahead. For this outpouring of support, we are eternally grateful on behalf of our deceased and living Franklin County Veterans and First Responders, who go daily “In Harms Way” in the name of Freedom and the Safety of the Citizenry.
Phase II of this project was completed in time for the 11th Anniversary of 911, conducted on Sunday, September 9, 2012, with close to 400 in attendance, and opened by The Rev. Dr. William H. Harter, Co-chairman, Historic Letterkenny Chapel and Franklin County Veterans and 9/11 Memorial Committee. Highlighting this event was our keynote speaker, William FitzGerald, Chief of Emergency Services, Borough of Chambersburg, and the vocal rendering of the National Anthem by 12-year-old Ms. Bailey Orange, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Paul Orange. The paver landscaping through the tree lined walkway from the 9/11 Memorial Plaza to the leading edge of the Veterans Plaza, constituted completion of Phase II. The U. S. Air Force flag display, sponsored by Dr. and Mrs. Paul Orange and Family, was added to the Veterans Plaza, bringing the total to 9 of 13 flag displays sponsored.
On Sunday, November 11, 2012, a Veterans Day Memorial Service was conducted in the Chapel, and opened by The Rev. Dr. William H. Harter, Chairman, Historic Letterkenny Chapel and Franklin County Veterans and 9/11 Memorial Committee. The keynote speaker was Chaplain (MG) David H. Hicks, (USA, Retired), and welcome remarks by the newly installed Depot Commander, Colonel Victor S. Hagan. Adjourning to the Memorial Park area, the U. S. Navy flag display was added to the Veterans Plaza, bringing the total to 10 of 13 flag displays sponsored. The U. S. Navy flag display is sponsored by the four families of: Michael and Mary Patti, Drew and Betty White, Carol Fix Diller, and Patrick and Pamela O’Donnell.
Phase III is the final landscaping and paver installation around the base of the main stand of flags on the Veteran’s Plaza at the far end of the Memorial Park, which was completed on May 7, 2013, just in time for the Armed Forces Day and POW-MIA Remembrance Service, on Saturday, May 18, 2013.
The Armed Forces Day POW*MIA Remembrance Service was conducted on Saturday, May 18, 2013, and opened by The Rev. Dr. William H. Harter, Chairman, Historic Letterkenny Chapel and Franklin County Veterans and 9/11 Memorial Committee. The Keynote Speaker was Colonel (Retired) Glenn Dowling Frazier, a WWII POW and Survivor of the horrific Bataan Death March. Following the Service, was the raising of the U. S. Coast Guard Flag Display, jointly sponsored by Drew and Betty White, and family, in honor of military colleagues who served on the staff of the former Scotland School for Veterans Children; John and Barbara Persun; and the CPA Firm of Boyer and Ritter. Additional thank you credits to Art Sign Company for the bronze paver sponsorship sign in honor of the company founder, Ed Patterson, and Mrs. Charlotte Murphy with the gift of sponsorship for the new Public Address Sound System. The ceremony concluded with a 21-gun Salute and the playing of TAPS.
On June 21, 2013, sponsoring organization, F&M Trust, participated in a special flag raising ceremony to lower the initial 9/11 flag that was presented on May 19, 2012. In its place, the official New York State 9/11 flag was raised. The original flag is no longer in production for replacement purposes, and was retired after flying for a little over one year. The 9/11 flag just lowered has the words “Never Forget”. The new flag has the words “We Remember”. It is the official New York State (NYS) September 11 memorial flag, which is flown at Ground Zero in New York City, and was unveiled by New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, on September 6, 2011. The 9/11 flag was raised in honor of the victims of September 11th and the countless first responders who came from all across the nation to help in the clean-up and recovery efforts; some from Franklin County. Presiding over this ceremony was William E. Snell, Jr., President and CEO of F&M Trust, G. Warren Elliott, Chairman, Board of Trustees, F&M Trust, and the Rev. Dr. William Harter, Chairman of the 9/11 Memorial Committee.
The September 11 Memorial Service was conducted on Sunday, September 8, 2013, and opened by The Rev. Dr. William H. Harter, Chairman, Historic Letterkenny Chapel and Franklin County Veterans and 9/11 Memorial Committee. United States Congressman Bill Shuster and Terry L. Shaffer, Fire Chief, Shanksville Volunteer Fire Department, Station 627, were the keynote speakers for this 12th Anniversary Memorial Service. Following the Chapel Service was the raising of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Flag Display, sponsored by Ms. Kelly Rife, CEO, Take Shape For Life. A special Dedication was conducted for the 9/11 Memorial Time Capsule, which was installed on the East side of the WTC 9/11 Memorial. The Time Capsule Ceremony included the interring of a small urn of ashes placed inside a permanently sealed cremation vault. The ashes had been gathered from “Ground Zero” in New York City immediately following the attack on the World Trade Center. The ashes were donated by Mr. Robert Boyce, who collected them from vehicles that had been towed from Ground Zero on the evening of September 11, 2001, by the New York Police Department, to the Erie Basin Evidence Facility in Red Hook in Brooklyn, Long Island, NY. All of the vehicles were covered with several inches of fine powdery dust. Mr. Boyce’s cabinet shop was on Van Brunt St. in Red Hook, and at that time, he lived at 220 Thompson Street in Manhattan, NY. These remains are interred in the cremation vault to be undisturbed for eternity. Contained in the metal encasement surrounding the cremation vault are items of interest to be removed on or after September 11, 2101. Additional items placed in the Time Capsule included: This “History of the Project”, descriptive writings and maps of the September 11, 2001 attack on America, brochures and photographs of the Project and various Ceremonies, and other items that may be of interest to the Community in the year 2101. Participating in the ceremony were Congressman Bill Shuster, Fire Chief Terry L. Shaffer, The Rev. Dr. William H. Harter, and G. Warren Elliott. Additional thank you credits to: Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home (donation of cremation urn and vault); Sunset Metal Works (donation of metal encasement box); Gordon’s Memorials (donation of Engraved capstone Paver); and SpringRise Landscaping (excavation and sealing of Time Capsule). The ceremony was concluded with a 21-gun salute by the Honor Guard of VFW Post 1599, and the playing of Taps, as final tribute to the Fallen on that day in our Nation’s History.
The Veteran’s Day Service was conducted on Sunday, November 10, 2013, and opened by The Rev. Dr. William H. Harter, Chairman, Historic Letterkenny Chapel and Franklin County Veterans and 9/11 Memorial Committee. The Keynote Speaker was The Rev. Dr. Joel W. Cocklin, Vice President, Academic Advancement and Academic Dean, Winebrenner Theological Seminary, Findlay, Ohio. Following the Service was the raising of the Law Enforcement (Police) Flag Display, which was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Chambersburg, Office of the Franklin County District Attorney, AMVETS Post 224, Citizens of Franklin County, and an Anonymous Donor. This was the final flag display for the Franklin County Veterans and 9/11 Memorial Park; a total of 13 flags to honor all Veterans and First Responders, and the Fallen of September 11, 2001. A ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony was then conducted for the engraved paver Military Walk of History; a series of large concrete pavers that proceed from the 9/11 Memorial down through the Memorial Trees, toward the Veteran’s Plaza flag displays. A 21-gun Rifle Salute and the playing of Taps concluded the ceremony. It is the prayerful wish that no succeeding wars will ever occur during the years that follow 2013.
Phase IV is the completion of an internet website, www.VeteranTrailPA.org, which debuted on Saturday, May 18, 2013, along with development of the Military Trail/Walk of History and Interactive Veteran Data Base which will showcase the commitment of individual men, women and military units from Franklin County, participating during the war years and conflicts beginning with the 1754 French and Indian War to the present day Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. This is a computer accessed database that allows families to upload personal information and a photograph of a loved-one or friend who is serving or who has ever served, whether living or deceased, and at some point in time has resided in Franklin County. The Veterans Memorial Committee is working with the Franklin County Visitors Bureau (FCVB) and the computer solutions company of Solinkit, LLC,, along with students and interns from the MIS Department of Shippensburg University, formally underway on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2013.
The Military Walk of History was announced at the Veterans Day Service on Sunday, November 10, 2013, and a ribbon cutting ceremony by the Franklin County Commissioners and Visitor’s Bureau followed, with engraved pavers highlighting Franklin County’s role in all the Wars from the French and Indian War to the Spanish American War. On Saturday, May 17, 2014, following the traditional Armed Forces Day POW-MIA Remembrance Service, the remaining engraved pavers were unveiled by the three Franklin County Commissioners, David Keller, Robert Thomas, and Robert Ziobrowski, and the Depot Commander, Colonel Victor S. Hagan, highlighting the Wars from WWI to the Gulf Wars. The Program was traditionally opened by The Rev. Dr. William H. Harter, Chairman, Historic Letterkenny Chapel and Franklin County Veterans and 9/11 Memorial Committee. The Keynote Speaker for this Service was Chaplain (COL) Bruce Farrell (ARNG, Retired), who has served as a U. S. Army Chaplain at all levels of the Army National Guard for more than 22 years, before retiring. Chaplain Farrell currently serves as Pastor, United Church of Christ Parish, Womelsdorf, PA. Following the Service and final dedication of the Military Walk of History, a Rifle Salute was presented by the VFW Post 1599 Honor Guard, and Taps by the Falling Spring Presbyterian Church Brass Ensemble.
The 9/11 Memorial Service was conducted on Sunday, September 7, 2014, and traditionally opened by The Rev. Dr. William H. Harter, Chairman, Historic Letterkenny Chapel and Franklin County Veterans and 9/11 Memorial Committee. The Keynote Speaker was The Rev. Lawrence M. Weber, retired Senior Pastor, Grace Brethren Church, Waynesboro, PA, whose residence on September 11, 2001 was two miles from the impact site of United Flight 93, Shanksville, PA. Rev. Weber challenged us to carry on the defense of freedom, and to honor the memory of those who lost their lives on that fateful day. Other special guests participating in the ceremony were Colonel Victor S. Hagan, Commander, Letterkenny Army Depot, for the Depot Welcome, and Scripture reading by the Very Reverend Luis R. Rodriguez, V.F., Pastor, Corpus Christi Catholic Church.
The Veterans Day Service was conducted on Sunday, November 9, 2014, and traditionally opened by The Rev. Dr. William H. Harter, Chairman, Historic Letterkenny Chapel and Franklin County Veterans and 9/11 Memorial Committee. The Keynote Speaker was Chaplain (LTC) Richard E. Denison, Jr., USAF, Retired. Chaplain Denison is the Pastor of Waggoners United Methodist Church, Carlisle, PA. He spoke about the importance of those who Serve their Country; many of whom pay the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy as citizens of America. LTC Bryan Fowler, Commander, Letterkenny Munitions Center, gave the Depot Welcome. Scripture readings and Spiritual messages were presented by The Rev. Dr. Allie J. Harper, Jr., President, UCCA; Rabbi Robert S. Green, Congregation Sons of Israel Synagogue; Very Reverend Luis R. Rodriguez, F.F., Pastor, Corpus Christi Catholic Church; Chaplain (LTC) Paul L. Yeun, USAF, Retired, Chambersburg Hospital; and The Rev. Renata Moseley Harper, Associate Minister, John Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church. Musical accompaniment by the Presbyterian Church of Falling Spring Brass Choir, under the performing direction of David Wenerd, CASHS Music Department, and the Community Chorus, under the performing direction of Marcel Coates. The Honor Guard was provided by Charles Nitterhouse VFW Post 1599, and the Color Guard by the Chambersburg Area Senior High School Naval Junior R.O.T.C., with MSG Louis Montney, USMC, Retired, Naval Instructor. Rifle Salute and Taps concluded the outdoor Service.
The Armed Forces Day POW*MIA Remembrance Service was conducted on Saturday, May 16, 2015, and traditionally opened by The Rev. Dr. William H. Harter, President, Historic Letterkenny Chapel and Franklin County Veterans and 9/11 Memorial Committee. The Keynote Speaker was Professor Alan Perry, Head of Italian Studies, Gettysburg College, Pennsylvania. He spoke on “The POW Italian Service Unit of WWII”. The was a prelude presentation to the “70th Anniversary Program for the Repatriation of the Italian Service Unit Prisoners of War”; men who were held at Letterkenny Ordinance Depot in 1944-1945. These prisoners designed and constructed the Letterkenny Chapel, as well as other structures on the Depot during their time of incarceration. Colonel Victor S. Hagan, Commander, offered the Letterkenny Army Depot Welcome. Scripture readings and Spiritual messages were presented by The Rev. Dr. Allie J. Harper, Jr., President, UCCA; Ms. Cheryl Wauls, Congregation Sons of Israel Synagogue; The Rev. Dr. Paul L. Yeun, USAF, Retired, Retired Chaplain, Chambersburg Hospital; and Deacon Richard Ramsey, Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Special presentations were made by Justin Slep, USMC, Retired, Director, Franklin County Veterans Affairs; and Lt. Colonel Charles Lucas, USAF, Retired, for the POW Code of Conduct. Musical accompaniment by the Presbyterian Church of Falling Spring Brass Choir, under the performing direction of David Wenerd, CASHS Music Department, and the Community Chorus, under the performing direction of Marcel Coates. Of special note was the vocal rendition of the U.S. and Italian National Anthems, performed by Mr. Henry J. Guarriello, Sr. and Richard di Renzi, accompanied by Pianist Myrna Gowing.
A very special dedication was made for two new trees (Japanese Tree Lilac variety), planted in front of the Chapel (replacing the former Crabapple Trees), in memory of the late John “Jack” Good, Arborist, with the Good family in attendance and offering remarks.
The Honor Guard was provided by Charles Nitterhouse VFW Post 1599, and the Color Guard by the Chambersburg Area Senior High School Naval Junior R.O.T.C., with MSG Louis Montney, USMC, Retired, Naval Instructor. Rifle Salute and Taps concluded the outdoor Service.
The 9/11 Memorial Service was conducted on Sunday, September 13, 2015, and traditionally opened by The Rev. Dr. William H. Harter, President, Historic Letterkenny Chapel and Franklin County Veterans and 9/11 Memorial Park. The keynote speaker was Alan Baumgardner, Dispatcher, Somerset County 9-1-1 Center. The theme of his remarks was “Remembering the Day”, as he was on duty when United Flight 93 crashed into the Somerset County Landscape in Shanksville, PA, on September 11, 2001. The CASHS NJROTC Color Guard posted the colors, and Colonel Deacon Maddox, newly assigned Commander, Letterkenny Army Depot, offered the Depot Welcome. Scripture was offered by The Rev. Dr. Allie J. Harper, Jr., UCCA President; Rabbi Robert S. Green, Congregation Sons of Israel Synagogue; and The Rev. Dr. Lois A. Waters, Pastor, Unity in Christ Church. Musical accompaniment was by David Wenerd, Performing Director, Falling Spring Presbyterian Church Brass Choir, and Marcel Coates, Performing Director, Community Chorus. The Program was concluded by a Rifle Salute by the Charles Nitterhouse VFW Post 1599 Honor Guard, and the playing of Taps by the Brass Choir.
Phase V has been completed, as the “Trail of Service” walking pathway, in the wooded area directly behind the Veteran’s Plaza stand of flag displays; property owned by the Historic Letterkenny Chapel and Franklin County Veterans and 9/11 Memorial Park. This is an educational walking pathway thanks to the efforts of Penn State Mont Alto Forestry Department, Bartlett Tree Experts, Cumberland Valley Tree Service, and Spring Rise Landscaping, who prepared the area for an Eagle Scout Project coordinated by 17 year old Andrew Durfee, which was conducted on Saturday, October 31 and November 7, 2015. The physical trail pathway was completed, thanks to the additional efforts of Ralph Pisle and Jimmy Jones of Spring Rise Landscaping, and the monumental effort of the Chambersburg Area Senior High School Navy Junior R.O.T.C., under the supervision of Major Adam Gutschall (USMC, Retired). Adding to the work force was Christina Gutshall and children, Borough Police Chief Dave Arnold, Joseph Cullinane, and several Scouts from BSA Troop 127. The project includes 20 wireless Interactive Kiosks that visitors may access via smartphone, as they walk along the pathway. The kiosks showcase 18 separate topics, plus a Welcome and Thank you kiosk at the start and end of the trail. Kiosks include narrative on the United States of America; Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Franklin County; Letterkenny Ordinance Depot Homesteaders who lost their homes when the federal government took 21,000 acres of land to construct the Depot; each of the military Service Branches; POW*MIA; WWII Italian Service Unit Prisoners of War who constructed the Letterkenny Chapel in 1945; and each of the First Responders (Firefighter, EMS, and Police); and the September 11, 2001 Attack on America. The Trail pathway is 601 feet in length, and is constructed of a base of weed fabric, followed by landscape timbers staked to the ground with 18” rebar, and lining both sides of the 5’ wide path, and 50 tons of crushed stone compacted between the landscape timbers for ease in walking. There are 20 4’ x 4’ posts throughout the Trail of Service that have aluminum plates mounted on a 90 degree angle on the top of each post. Reverse Technology digital readout discs provided by Purple Deck Media and Solinkit, Inc., have been installed, each containing narrative about a particular story along the Trail. In 2016, it is planned to connect the Trail of Service to the Veterans Plaza by means of a concrete paver pathway, to be constructed by Spring Rise Landscaping. It is also planned to have LED lighting that is solar powered, illuminating each of the 20 kiosk posts, to make the trail pathway stand out in the evening hours.
On Saturday, October 24, 2015, a 70th Anniversary Italian Heritage Program was conducted, beginning and ending at the Letterkenny Chapel, with a luncheon and guest speakers featured at the Corpus Christi Catholic Church Parish Center. (Note: The Italian Delegation of 22 visitors, arrived in Chambersburg on Friday evening, and hosted for a casual dinner by the Knights of Columbus, Council 1426, at their home on Garfield St., Chambersburg). The Saturday Program began at the Chapel, with guest arrival at 8:00 a.m.; then at 9:00 a.m., the Depot Welcome by LTC Trenton J. Conner, Commander, Letterkenny Munitions Center. Mass was then celebrated by the Very Reverend Luis R. Rodriguez, V.F., Pastor, Corpus Christi Catholic Church (concelebrated by Rev. Dominick M. DiBiccaro, and Rev. Paul J. Theisz). Featured at the Mass were the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus and the Corpus Christi Church Choir. During the Mass, a Madonna Icon gifted from Italy, was Blessed, and will remain on display in the Chapel. During the Mass, several special songs were performed by Mr. Fabio Trevisan, Grandson of former ISU POW, Zefferino Trevisan, and accompanied on the organ by Mr. Carlo Borghetti. Following Mass, a special Italian Service Unit Display was Dedicated by The Rev. Dr. Lois A. Waters, Pastor, Unity in Christ Church, and explained with detailed translation by Dr. Flavio G. Conti of Rome, Italy, and Professor Alan Perry, Chair of Italian Studies, Gettysburg College.
Following Mass at the Chapel, a special Luncheon Program was conducted at the Corpus Christi Catholic Church Parish Center, beginning at 11:30 a.m. and concluding at 3:30 p.m. Dr. G. Warren Elliott served as the Master of Ceremonies. A video display was running throughout the luncheon portion of the event. Mr. Hank Guarriello, Jr., sang the American and Italian National Anthems (accompanied here by Mr. Favio Trevisan). Following the meal, Mayor Antonio Brescianini, presented gifts of friendship (Municipal Pennants, Plates, Pins, Carvings, etc.) to Chambersburg and Franklin County Leadership. In return, Commissioner Chairman David Keller and Town Council President Allen Coffman, presented gifts of friendship from the Community (Chambersburg Flag, a painting of the Letterkenny Chapel by Vicki Taylor, and other individual items that had been presented at the hotel upon the delegation arrival, Friday evening.) Speakers included Major Brescianini, Commissioner Keller; President Coffman; Colonel Rodolfo Sganga, Military attache’, Italian Embassy; U.S. Congressman Bill Shuster; Dr. Flavio Giovanni Conti, Research Author, and Professor Alan Perry (Co-authors of their upcoming new book, “Italian Prisoners of War in PA, 1944-1945: Allies on the Home Front”. Concluding the Program were remarks by Program Chairman David G. Sciamanna, who then introduced Fran Tonolo Vaughn and Marcia Jovine for their reflections from their Fathers who were former Italian POWs. At 4:00 p.m., the Italian Delegation was then led back to the Letterkenny Chapel by Paul Cullinane, Program Committee, for a final visit before returning to Italy the next morning (Sunday, October 25, 2015). Note: The Italian Heritage Book will be available in early October 2017; published by Arcadia and marketed by Amazon, at a retail price of $21.95.
The Veterans Day Memorial Service was conducted on Sunday, November 8, 2015, and traditionally opened by The Rev. Dr. William H. Harter, Board President. The Keynote Speaker was The Rev. Chi Hyeon Yun, Pastor, Hagerstown Korean Church. His theme was “Love Comes From God”. He thanked veterans who served and sacrificed their lives to protect countries all over the world, especially those who gave their lives to ensure freedom for countries such as his native Korea. Pastor Yun said that “he didn’t believe South Korea would have become the prosperous country that it is today without the sacrifices of all veterans who served at that time.” The NJROTC Color Guard posted the Colors, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and playing of the National Anthem. The Depot Welcome was offered by LTC Trenton Conner. Spiritual readings were presented by The Rev. Dr. Allie J. Harper, Jr.; The Rev. Dr. Renata Moseley Harper, Assoc. Minister, John Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church; Barbara Eshelman, Congregation sons of Israel Synagogue; and Mary Bolte, Corpus Christi Catholic Church. A special presentation was made by Justin Slep, USMC, Retired, Director of Franklin County Veterans Affairs. The Program was concluded with a rifle salute by the Charles Nitterhouse VFW Post 1599 Honor Guard, and Taps performed by the Falling Spring Presbyterian Church Brass Choir.
The Armed Forces Day POW*MIA Remembrance Service was conducted on Saturday, May 21, 2016, and traditionally opened by The Rev. Dr. William H. Harter, Board President. The Keynote Speaker was Dr. Ron Crews, Chaplain (COL) USAR, Retired, Executive Director, Chaplain Alliance for Religious Liberty, Alexandria, Virginia. His theme was from Romans 13:7 – ”Give everyone what you owe him… if respect then respect, if honor, then honor”. The CASHS NJROTC Color Guard posted the Colors, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and playing of the National Anthem. The Depot Welcome was offered by Colonel Deacon Maddox, Commander, Letterkenny Army Depot. Spiritual readings were presented by Cheryl Wauls, Congregation sons of Israel Synagogue; the Rabbi Robert S. Green, Congregation Sons of Israel Synagogue; and The Rev. Dr. Paul L. Yeun, Chaplain (LTC) USAF, Retired, Chambersburg Hospital. Music was provided by Marcel Coates, Director, Community Chorus, and David Wenerd, CASHS Music Director, and Director, Presbyterian Church of Falling Spring Brass Choir. It was noted by Rev. Harter that the March 17, 2016 fundraising appeal resulted in many generous gifts to offset a number of physical improvements to the Chapel and Park Grounds. Following the Service, the Franklin County Trail of Service construction was first explained by Paul Cullinane, then Dedicated by Rev. Harter, with a ribbon cutting jointly conducted by Rev. Harter and Major (USMC, Retired) Adam Gutshall, Naval Instructor, CASHS Navy JROTC Program. All who participated in the construction were formed On The Altar behind the ribbon for the ceremony. Major Gutshall was thanked for his contribution to the leadership development of the Cadets, and farewelled as the outgoing instructor to pursue the field of Biology. The Program was concluded with Taps performed by the Falling Spring Presbyterian Church Brass Choir.
The 9/11 Memorial Service was conducted on Sunday, September 11, 2016, and traditionally opened by The Rev. Dr. William H. Harter, Board President. The Keynote Speaker was Chaplain (COL) Ronald E. Martin-Minnich (ARNG, Retired). His theme was ”Remembering Operation Noble Eagle”. The CASHS NJROTC Color Guard posted the Colors, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and playing of the National Anthem. The Depot Welcome was offered by Sergeant Major Jorey Riley, Letterkenny Army Depot. Spiritual readings were presented by The Rev. Dr. Allie J. Harper, Jr, Pastor, John Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church; the Rabbi Robert S. Green, Congregation Sons of Israel Synagogue; The Rev. Dr. Renata Moseley Harper, Associate Minister, John Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church; and the Very Rev. Luis R. Rodriguez, V.F., Pastor, Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Music was provided by Marcel Coates, Director, Community Chorus, and David Wenerd, CASHS Music Director, and Director, Presbyterian Church of Falling Spring Brass Choir. The outside Program was concluded with the Rifle Salute performed by Charles Nitterhouse VFW Post 1599, followed by Taps performed by the Falling Spring Presbyterian Church Brass Choir.
The Veterans Day Memorial Service was conducted on Sunday, November 6, 2016, and traditionally opened by The Rev. Dr. William H. Harter, Board President. The Keynote Speaker was Chaplain (COL) Rodney K. Miller (ARNG, Retired). His theme was “Those Who Answered the Call”. He provided an historical perspective of volunteerism dating back to the Revolutionary War, and thanked veterans who served and sacrificed their lives to protect countries all over the world, especially those who gave their lives to ensure global freedom. The CASHS NJROTC Cadet Color Guard posted the Colors, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and playing of the National Anthem. The Depot Welcome was offered by Colonel Deacon Maddox, Commander, Letterkenny Army Depot. Spiritual readings were presented by Chaplain (LTC) Paul L. Yeun (USAF, Retired), Chambersburg Hospital; Cheryl Wauls, Congregation Sons of Israel, and President, United Churches of the Chambersburg Area (UCCA); Rabbi Robert S. Green, Congregation Sons of Israel; and The Rev. Dr. Lois A. Waters, Pastor, Unity in Christ Church. The outside Program was concluded with Taps performed by Ms. Maggie Myers, Trumpeter, Chambersburg Area Senior High School Senior, and member of the CASHS Music Department under the directorship of David Wenerd.
The Armed Forces Day POW*MIA Remembrance Service was conducted on Saturday, May 20, 2017, and traditionally opened by The Rev. Dr. William H. Harter, Board President. The Keynote Speaker was Chaplain (COL) Jeffry A. Dull (USAF, Ret.), Pastor, Emmanuel (Baust) United Church of Christ, Westminster, Maryland. His theme was “A Tale of Two POWs”. The CASHS NJROTC Color Guard posted the Colors, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and playing of the National Anthem. The Depot Welcome was offered by Colonel Deacon Maddox, Commander, Letterkenny Army Depot. Opening Remarks by Cheryl Wauls, and spiritual readings were presented by Cheryl Wauls, Congregation sons of Israel Synagogue; The Rev. Dr. Paul L. Yeun, Chaplain (LTC) USAF, Retired, Director, Department of Pastoral Services, Summit Health; Ms. Renee D. Galvan, Senior Master Sergeant, USAF, Retired, Pastoral Assistant, Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Note: The Rev. Dr. Dianne B. Salter, Retired Minister, First United Methodist Church, was unable to participate in the Service. Music was provided by Marcel Coates, Director, Community Chorus, and David Wenerd, CASHS Music Director, and Director, Presbyterian Church of Falling Spring Brass Choir. It was noted by Rev. Harter that the March 17, 2016 fundraising appeal letter was the centerfold in the Programs, seeking assistance with Pew Cushions; new shingle roof; new gutters and downspouts; Trail of Service plantings; and low-voltage illumination for the Trail Kiosks. Following the Service, the “Survivor Tree” was explained by a representative of Bartlett Tree Experts, followed by an explanation of the “Connecting Pathway” to the Franklin County Trail of Service, by Paul Cullinane, and both were Dedicated by Rev. Harter, with a ribbon cutting to the Connecting Pathway, jointly conducted by Rev. Harter, Commissioners Keller, Ziobrowski, and Thomas, and Brad Warner, CEO, Patriot Federal Credit Union. The Program was concluded with Taps performed by the Falling Spring Presbyterian Church Brass Choir.
The 9/11 Memorial Service was conducted on Sunday, September 10, 2017, and traditionally opened by The Rev. Dr. William H. Harter, Board President. The Keynote Speaker was Dwight R. Fuhrman, Dept. of Pennsylvania VFW, State Commander, Program Year, June 2017 to June 2018. His theme was ”American Strong – 16 Years After 9/11”. The CASHS NJROTC Color Guard posted the Colors, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and playing of the National Anthem. The Depot Welcome was offered by newly assigned (August 11, 2017) Colonel Stephen Ledbetter, Commander, Letterkenny Army Depot. Opening Remarks by Cheryl Wauls, President, UCCA. Spiritual readings were presented by The Rev. Dr. Allie J. Harper, Jr, Pastor, John Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church; Deacon Richard Ramsey, Corpus Christi Catholic Church; and The Rev. Renata Moseley Harper, Associate Minister, John Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church. Music was provided by Marcel Coates, Director, Community Chorus, and Freda Dorand, Organist, First Evangelical Lutheran Church. The outside Program was concluded with the Rifle Salute and Taps performed by the Charles M. Nitterhouse VFW Post 1599 Honor Guard.
Special thanks must also be expressed to the many Volunteers who offer their time and passion in support of the scheduled Chapel Services and Memorial Park ceremonies that have and will continue to be conducted in the months and years ahead. Specifically, the Commander and Staff of Letterkenny Army Depot, the Charles Nitterhouse VFW Post 1599 Honor Guard, the Presbyterian Church of the Falling Spring Brass Choir, the Community Chorus, the Chambersburg Fire Department Honor Guard, the Chambersburg Police Department Honor Guard, the Chambersburg Area Senior High School Navy Junior R.O.T.C. Color Guard, the Members of the United Churches of the Chambersburg Area (UCCA) and its Chapel Committee, and the Historic Letterkenny Chapel and Franklin County Veterans and 9/11 Memorial Park Advisory Board.
We are hopeful that the remaining Memorial Benches and Memorial Trees will be sponsored or offered in appreciation for an appropriate value of in-kind support. Memorial Pavers will be available for purchase for many years to come. To date, we have installed more than 337 engraved concrete and glass pavers throughout the Veterans and 9/11 Memorial Park. A bronze sponsorship sign was donated by Art Sign Company in honor of founder Ed Patterson, that guides visitors on how to sponsor an engraved concrete paver for a family member, friend, or other appropriate tribute.
The new Foundation, which is named: Historic Letterkenny Chapel and Franklin County Veterans and 9/11 Memorial Park, was approved by the IRS on April 10, 2015. This new 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization accepted ownership responsibility for the Letterkenny Chapel and Park Grounds, transitioned from the United Churches of the Chambersburg Area (UCCA), on August 17, 2015. Perpetual Care of the Chapel and Park Campus will be the sole responsibility of this new Foundation, with the assistance of the Joint Chapel Committee (UCCA and Veterans and 9/11 Memorial Park Board). The chartered organization Officers are: The Rev. Dr. William H. Harter, President, Dr. G. Warren Elliott, Vice-President, Retired Bank CEO, Pete Zimmerman, Treasurer, and Retired Army Officer, Paul Cullinane, Secretary. The Board of Directors consists of nine (9) members, each serving either a one, two or three-year term. An Advisory Committee, along with the Board of Directors, will meet three times each year.
The Historic Letterkenny Chapel and Franklin County Veterans and 9/11 Memorial Park Advisory Board, will conduct Services and Ceremonies at the Letterkenny Chapel and grounds, three times each year: May — Armed Forces Day/POW-MIA Remembrance; September — Anniversary of the September 11, 2001 Attack; and November — Veterans Day. Additionally, the United Churches of the Chambersburg Area (UCCA), conducts a Chapel Service, each year, on Christmas Eve; all of these Services are open and free to the public. While the Chapel is not left unlocked, the Veterans and 9/11 Memorial Park is open and illuminated for visitors anytime, day or night.
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COL Paul E. Cullinane, Jr. (USA, Retired) Program Coordinator As of: September 11, 2017
