Visitors braving rain showers at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery on Sunday afternoon may have noticed the sounds of gunfire and cadences from the various forces emanating from the Pennsylvania Veterans Memorial.
That included Camp Hill resident Allison Wilson, who brought her 12-month-old daughter to the grave of her great-grandfather, a World War II veteran. Wilson said her husband is currently serving overseas, and it’s taking a toll on their family.
“It’s hard because you have so much time where he’s not there and you miss the important moments of seeing our daughter grow,” she said. “You’re always told what the cost is, but sometimes I’m not sure people outside of a military family really understand the sacrifice.”
On November 10, residents, government officials and veterans came to Indiantown Gap National Cemetery to participate in the 42nd annual Veterans Day program. This year’s program is made possible in part by the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery Memorial Council and the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Department of Pennsylvania.
Veterans Day is more than a day on the calendar, but rather a solemn commitment to remember those who have served, according to cemetery director John Spruyt.
“We are thinking of the young men and women who left the comfort of their homes to face unknown dangers,” he said. “We recognized those who missed birthdays, holidays and precious moments with loved ones while serving far from home.”
Phil Arnold, commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Department of Pa, was among those who laid a ceremonial wreath during Sunday’s ceremony. Arnold said many may have been watching sports on Sunday, instead of celebrating the holiday weekend by remembering those who served and are serving in the armed forces.
“Focus on soldiers returning to their hometowns after a year or more of deployment,” he said. ‘Deployment abroad with violent conflicts. These male and female soldiers hold for us the terror of war on foreign soil.”
Pennsylvania has nearly 8,000 veterans, 76% of whom are over the age of 55, according to the state Department of Human Services. The Commonwealth has the fourth largest veteran population in the country.
Nate Thomson, chief financial officer for the Military Order of the Purple Heart PA Department, said veteran is a title earned “through their blood, sweat and tears.” Thomson deployed twice with the U.S. Army and served a total of 20 months in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
“Every generation faces its own challenges, its own struggles, its own sacrifices in the cause of freedom,” he said. “What binds us together over the years and through the conflicts is a shared commitment to duty, honor and country.”
Residents who attended Sunday’s memorial program will hopefully make a renewed commitment to supporting veterans across the Commonwealth, Spruyt said. This could include volunteering at a local VA hospital, hiring veterans, or “just taking the time to listen to their stories.”
“Let’s make every day Veterans Day by living up to the ideals they fought against,” he told those in attendance. “Let us continue to build a nation worthy of their sacrifice. A nation that embraces unity, cherishes freedom and stands for justice for all.”
Matthew Toth is a reporter for the Lebanon Daily News. Reach him at mtoth@ldnews.com or at X at @DAMattToth.
This article originally appeared on Lebanon Daily News: Indiantown Gap Cemetery hosts 42nd annual Veterans Day program
