2010 News
July 27, 2010
“The Greatest Of Your Generation”
Commissioners Join Marine Lt. General John F. Kelly and Veterans to Honor 57th Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice
The memorial courtyard of the Bucks County Courthouse was transformed into a solemn place of remembrance on Saturday, July 24, as the Board of Bucks County Commissioners hosted a ceremony to commemorate the 57th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice (which took place July 27, 1953). Emceed by Korean War veteran Jerry Jonas, the event included speeches by Commissioners Charles H. Martin, chairman, James F. Cawley, Esq. and Diane M. Ellis-Marseglia, LCSW and a keynote address by Lieutenant General John F. Kelly, Commander of the United States Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North. Kelly, a three-star general, told the large gathering that “the honor of being here is all mine.”
Seated in the front row were members of the second delegation from the Republic of Korea’s Namdong District to visit Bucks County in as many years. Vice Mayor Hwang Heung Goo made brief remarks on behalf of the “21st Century Alliance” between Bucks County and Namdong District, adding that when he thinks of the sacrifices American soldiers made nearly six decades ago to “safeguard liberty,” his “heart becomes heavy.”
Chairman Martin welcomed Korean War veterans to the ceremony, which was conducted in the shadow of the county memorial dedicated to the 38 Bucks Countians who were killed in Korean action during the early 1950’s. “Here, within this courtyard – which is dedicated to fallen soldiers of generations both past and present – those 38 local heroes continue to provide inspiration to families, compatriots, and the citizens of our great county,” Chairman Martin explained. Special mention also went out to Andrew “Andy” Lynch, the founder of the Bucks County Korean War Veterans Association (KWVA). Mr. Lynch, a U.S. Army Korean War veteran, passed away on March 26 after a long illness.
After Commissioner Cawley presented a proclamation and a special commissioners’ tile from the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works to Lt. General Kelly, Commissioner Ellis-Marseglia delivered a heartfelt commendation to her relative and Korean War P.O.W. Atillio Cauti of Levittown. In part, the commendation read: “While waiting for reinforcements you were captured by the North Koreans, who imprisoned you for 18 months before the Chinese Army held you captive for another 18 months. Despite dire conditions, beatings, starvation, brainwashing, and trauma you focused on survival, your family and the rosary. You never gave up your beliefs in patriotism and freedom, even in the face of extreme hardship.”
During sweeping remarks that traced American military history since World War II, General Kelly called the Korean War veterans “the greatest of your generation.” He spoke of his personal experiences in theaters of war around the world, including Iraq. He expressed the belief that “Americans always rely on country and family to get them through.” He concluded his address with a poignant story about a pair of young soldiers who manned a security post and lost their lives when a car bomb exploded in Iraq.
The ceremony also featured the laying of red roses on the granite slab of the Korean War Memorial – including 38 for those with county ties killed in Korea and 18 for those killed during the ongoing War on Terror. The Korean Children’s Choir from the Bucks County Presbyterian Church sang a pair of Korean folk songs. The children were dressed in traditional Korean outfits.
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
Mark C. Baum – U.S. Army Kurt E. Krout - U.S. Army
Edward W. Brabazon – U.S. Army Travis L. Manion -U.S. Marine Corps
Robert H. Dembowski – U.S. Army Robert T. Mininger – U.S. Marine Corps
Nathaniel E. DeTample – U.S. Army Jae S. Moon - U.S. Army
Allen J. Dunckley – U.S. Army Patrick R. Nixon - U.S. Marine Corps
Brian R. Faunce – U.S. Army Tamarra J. Ramos - U.S. Army
Barton R. Humlhanz – U.S. Marine Corps Kristofor T. Stonesifer - U.S. Army
William J. Maher, III – U.S. Army Shawn M. Suzch - U.S. Army
Maurice J. Johnson - U.S. Army Colby J. Umbrell - U.S. Army
