Korean War veterans honored during on-campus ceremony

About 70 Korean War veterans from Lycoming County received the Republic of Korea's "everlasting gratitude" during an Ambassador for Peace Medal ceremony in the Klump Academic Center Auditorium on Friday. U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey facilitated the event, presenting the medals to the veterans (or their families) in advance of the Memorial Day weekend. "We cherish in our hearts the memory of your boundless sacrifices in helping us reestablish our Free Nation," reads the commendation that adorns each award's personalized case, expressing a nation's appreciation for the American servicemen and women who served during the 1950-53 war. In addition to this PCToday photo gallery, the event was featured in news broadcasts on WBRE/WYOU and WNEP.

– Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor

 

 

Peace Medals await presentation in Friday's ceremony.

Friday's large crowd stands for the national anthem, sung by Laura Ulrich from Montgomery Area High School.

Toomey arranged the ceremony to ensure that those who served in "The Forgotten War" are forgotten no longer.

The U.S. Senate seal, added to the Penn College podium, corroborates the significance of the day's proceedings.

State Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Loyalsock Township) is among the dignitaries speaking in recognition of the veterans' service.

Fred Agnoni, of South Williamsport, a teenage Army officer in the Korean War, holds his hat to his heart during the Reading of the Orders by retired Army Maj. Gen. James Joseph. Agnoni is standing between fellow veterans Richard E. Barkman (left), of Jersey Shore, and Edward E. Adams, of Muncy.

The senator offers congratulations and appreciation.