The Bromeley Family Theater at the University of Pittsburgh at
Bradford on Saturday was bursting with patriotism and gratitude for
those who have been dubbed by historians as “The Greatest
Generation.”
State Rep. Martin Causer, R-Turtlepoint, conducted a World War
II veterans recognition ceremony and program Saturday morning
hosted by Pitt-Bradford.
A continental breakfast was served from 9:30 to about 10:30
a.m., with lines of veterans and family members of all ages
registering for participation in the program, which included the
distribution of medals and citations for more than 350 World War II
veterans in the 67th Legislative District.
Causer told The Era inside the theater prior to the ceremony
that Saturday’s ceremony was “all about continually recognizing
World War II veterans, not just on Veterans Day or Memorial
Day.”
“We’ve had a wonderful turnout,” Causer went on to say. “The
response has been tremendous.” He said programs like Saturday’s are
important because they remind the public not to take the freedoms
that these men and women fought and died for, for granted.
Causer was eventually whisked away to help the organizers
arrange for extra seating in the theater, where some were still
left standing or leaning on stairs through the program. Attendees
ranged in age from infants and toddlers to those who had survived
the war; some dressed in full military uniform, some in t-shirts
with American flags. Some wore name tags with their name and
military rank. Some wore tags that read “the family of …,”
indicating they survived a fallen soldier or late serviceman.
Red, white and blue balloons, streamers and other decorations
adorned the lobby and theater, where a stars and stripes hologram
was splashed across the ceiling and stage.
After Causer welcomed the huge audience, he turned the stage
over to Pitt-Bradford President Dr. Livingston Alexander, who gave
a moving speech about the importance of remembering World War II
and those who served during it. Alexander lauded Causer for making
the effort to organize such a remembrance, saying, the program
allows the public to “re-examine the lessons of World War II.”
To those veterans in the audience, Alexander expressed sincere
gratitude.
“Thank you for your courage and your valor. Thank you for your
profound commitment to democracy and freedom,” he said. “You saved
the world from tyranny and oppression.”
An invocation was then given by the Rev. Timothy Brown of the
First Church of the Nazarene. Posting of colors was conducted by
Cmdr. George Tufts/NCOIC and the Veterans Memorial Team.
The soulful version of the “Star-Spangled Banner” was sung by
Marissa Buchheit, a ninth grade student at Bradford Area High
School. World War II POWs Lloyd Fiscus, Robert Cochran Sr. and
Howard Luzier led the Pledge of Allegiance.
A DVD presentation about Pennsylvania’s World War II veterans
followed, and then a moment of silence led by Causer.
The keynote speaker for the morning was retired U.S. District
Judge and World War II veteran the Honorable Glenn E. Mencer.
Mencer, who was also formerly the president judge of McKean
County, talked about the pride he feels being a World War II
veteran. He talked about the changes brought about across the world
as a result of the war, and about the darker side of the fight.
He said the men and women of his generation wanted to go to war
and serve their country, recalling his bus ride to report for duty.
Some of those young men who had also reported, but failed the
initial physical for some reason, were also on the bus on their way
home – some in tears of disappointment, he said.
Mencer’s address was followed by a World War II flag
presentation by Jack Rosenswie of the Pennsylvania American Legion
23rd District Deputy Commander.
A rifle salute and “Taps” was conducted by the Veterans Memorial
Team.
Causer and Rosenswie presented the veterans with their medals
and certificates. Brown gave a benediction, and Causer wrapped up
the event, thanking the audience for its participation.
