2007 News

July 27, 2007

Commissioners Host Annual Korean War Armistice Day Ceremony
Mid-day Event Includes Remembrance of 16 Bucks Residents Killed in Iraq

During a somber but stirring ceremony on the lawn of the Bucks County Courthouse today, Commissioners Charles H. Martin, James F. Cawley and Sandra A. Miller joined officials from the  Bucks County Military Affairs department and veterans of World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Iraq to pay tribute to fallen Bucks County soldiers of multiple generations. The annual event took place on the 54th anniversary of the Korean Armistice, July 27, 1953.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to be with each and every one of you,” Martin told a large crowd that included family members of some of the 36 Bucks Countians killed in action during the Korean War and several of the 16 county residents killed in Iraq. “This is perfectly appropriate given the monuments that have been placed in this courtyard. This year, I am particularly moved that we have added the 16 names of Bucks County soldiers who have given their lives in the service of our country.”

As a linchpin of his remarks, Martin pledged to spearhead an effort to have an Iraq War memorial erected in the courtyard, following in the tradition of the World War II monument, the Korean War memorial (which was dedicated in June, 2000) and the Bucks County firefighters’ memorial, among others.

“Hopefully, that will happen sooner rather than later,” Martin said, thanking those in attendance with “deep, deep” appreciation for their service and the sacrifice of their fallen family members.

Commissioner Martin also expressed hope that next July’s Korean Armistice Day Ceremony will take place as a complement to the proposed National Veterans Cemetery in Bucks County, adding that all veterans deserve to have the scenic Upper Makefield site as their “absolute final resting spot.”

Quoting President John F. Kennedy, Martin lauded the assembled veterans with the oft-recounted phrase: “Great crises produce great men and great deeds of courage.”

In addition to the chairman’s remarks, the ceremony included introductory comments from Korean War veteran Jerry Jonas, who is the historian of the Bucks County Chapter, Korean War Veterans Association. As a 22-year-old Marine in Korea, Jonas recalled the armistice as a “solemn occasion.”

“During the Korean War, there were 36 Bucks County dead. Today, we face a new reality,” Jonas told the large crowd. “It is especially fitting that we honor 16 men who gave the full measure of devotion.”

Before the commissioners joined veterans and family members in placing roses on the Korean Memorial, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Col. Scott McGowan delivered a riveting special-guest address. “The Korean War proved to be a noble cause,” McGowan said. “Today, in Iraq, that legacy of service continues. These young men and women are trying to live up to your expectations.”

Following is a list of the 36 Bucks County Korean War honored dead and the 16 Iraq War honored dead:

KOREAN WAR HONORED DEAD

Harold L. Adams – U.S. Army                                      John J. McDonnell – U.S. Army
Auston W. Beetle – U.S. Air Force                              Raymond H. Miller – U.S. Army
Herbert Besch, Jr. – U.S. Army                                   James L. Niblick – U.S. Army
Matthew J. Biedka – U.S. Air Force                            Robert J. Ortlip – U.S. Navy
Robert E. Brown – U.S. Army                                     Warren E. Palmer – U.S. Army
Donald L. Clayton – U.S. Marine Corps                     Paul E. Riess – U.S. Army
Harry Y. Eisenbray – U.S. Navy                                 Clarence F. Rotenberger – U.S. Army
Hans W. Grahl – U.S. Marine Corps                           John M. Rozear, Jr. – U.S. Army
Warren H. Harms – U.S. Army                                    Christopher Schlitz – U.S. Army
Thurle L. Hileman – U.S. Army                                  Thomas F. Solometo – U.S. Army
John J. Holden – U.S. Army                                        John M.L. Stern, Jr. – U.S. Army
John D. Hunsberger – U.S. Marine Corps                 George W. Supplee – U.S. Air Force
Norbert G. Hurt – U.S. Army                                      John J. Truan – U.S. Army
Casimir P. Kaczor – U.S. Army                                    William F. Underdown - U.S. Army
Edward B. Keller – U.S. Army                                     Richard Vaneekhoven – U.S. Army
Harold D. Kellett – U.S. Army                                       Walter G. Wieckowski – U.S. Army
William R. Lewis – U.S. Marine Corps                        William J. Wiley – U.S. Army
Attilio M. Lupacchini – U.S. Marine Corps                 Gracian H. White – U.S. Army
Bruce F. Mathewson  - U.S. Marine Corps                  Bernard M. Young – Marine Corps

IRAQ WAR HONORED DEAD

Edward W. Brabazon – U.S. Army                              Kurt E. Krout, U.S. Army
Robert H. Dembowski – U.S. Army                            Travis L. Manion, U.S. Marine Corps
Nathaniel E. DeTample – U.S. Army                          Robert T. Mininger, Marine Corps
Allen J. Dunckley – U.S. Army                                     Jae S. Moon, U.S. Army
Brian R. Faunce – U.S. Army                                      Patrick R. Nixon, U.S. Marine Corps
Barton R. Humlhanz – U.S. Marine Corps                 Tamarra J. Ramos, U.S. Army
William J. Maher, III – U.S. Army                               Kristofor T. Stonesifer, U.S. Army
Maurice J. Johnson, U.S. Army                                  Colby J. Umbrell, U.S. Army

Pictured: Top Left--Commissioner Chairman Charles H. Martin lays a rose on the Bucks County Korean War Memorial during the ceremony recognizing the 54th anniversary of the Korean Armistice. Bottom Right--Korean War veterans lay a wreath at the Korean War memorial in the courthouse courtyard.