Schuylkill Haven Hometown Hero banner dedication planned for Memorial Day

Republican & Herald, Pottsville, Pa.
·2 min read

The 2024 Schuylkill Haven‘s Hometown Hero Banners “Phase II” are now proudly on display throughout downtown and Bubeck Park.

The banners will formally be dedicated at 11:15 a.m. May 27 following the town’s annual Memorial Day Parade on the Parkway.

Mayor Mike Devlin will be the master of ceremony for the traditional event honoring service members. It will include a special dedication by Jerry Bowman, council president and Hometown Hero Committee member.

Patriotic music will be provided by the Schuylkill Haven Area High School Band as well as the Schuylkill Choral Society Ensemble. Heroes, sponsors and family members are invited to both the dedication and celebration which follows the raising of the American flag.

The Phase II project started in September 2023 and was completed through a coordinated effort of community volunteers and borough employees.

Sixty Hometown Heroes, ranging from WWII to active-duty military service personnel (Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines), are represented. These banners provide residents and visitors the opportunity to pay tribute to remarkable individuals and their outstanding commitment of courage and service to our country.

Hometown Hero Richard Klahr, the oldest living American Legion Post No. 38 commander (1964-65) and a member of the legion since he returned from war in 1953 for 71 years, was honored to hear about his banner.

“I was really surprised to find out my family was recognizing me as a Hometown Hero,” Klahr was quoted in a press release. “It was an honor to serve the country I love so much! Many people today don’t understand what veterans went through in all the wars. Hopefully Hometown Heroes will help get conversations started with families about people they know and love. It is my fervent prayer that our next generation will not have to witness the devastation that so many of our brave men and women have experienced.”

Donations to support the reception for the Hometown Heroes program and checks can be sent to Schuylkill Haven Borough, 333 Center St., Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972 (memo: HH donation).

For more information, please contact Cecilia Ann Michalik by calling 248-974-3569 or emailing shhometownheroes@gmail.com.