Veterans Day observed in downtown Scranton
Nov. 12—SCRANTON — Rain poured down in sheets as three volleys of rifle fire rang out at Courthouse Square on Friday.
The weather did not keep Angelo Bonacci from attending the annual Koch-Conley American Legion Post 121 Veterans Day Program.
The reason he attended? Bonacci, 70, of Taylor, pointed to the veterans around him.
"And what they did," Bonacci said. "And those who can't be here."
For the 97th year, the American Legion post honored veterans in downtown Scranton. The presentation included a keynote speech from Scranton Police Chief Thomas Carroll, a retired Marine Corps master gunnery sergeant.
"Serving in the United States armed forces is a very noble act," Carroll said. "It's selfless. You're putting the needs of a nation before your own needs."
Carroll, 52, enlisted in the military in 1987 and served in the Middle East during the Gulf War. After, he joined the Reserve and entered the Scranton Police Department.
He entered active duty again following the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.
Carroll retired from the military in 2017, according to his resumé. He was sworn in as police chief in January.
"I truly believe in this," Carroll said. "I believe in the veterans and the programs and the support for our military. ... My position gave me the opportunity to speak here today. And I graciously accept that."
Contact the writer: jkohut@timesshamrock.com, 570-348-9100, x5187; @jkohutTT on Twitter.
