Gold Star Memorial
Gold Star Memorial Marker Dedication
On Wednesday, June 3, The Garden Club of Johnstown had a Gold Star Marker Dedication Ceremony at 1st Summit Arena ( Cambria County War Memorial) at 1 p.m. The ceremony was hosted by The Garden Club of Johnstown, District VI and the National Garden Clubs, Inc.
These markers pay tribute to Gold Star Families whose families paid the ultimate price defending the United States of America.
The ceremony began with the presentation of the colors, and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Bob Wilkey from The Garden Club of Johnstown, who was instrumental in obtaining the Gold Star recognition, introduced the guests and speakers.
Pat Wolanski, President of The Garden Club Federation of PA, introduced Blue Star Memorial Chair of PA, Karen Faust, who gave a history of the Gold Star and Blue Star Memorials.
Barb Rushin, a Garden Club of Johnstown member, (pictured left), reflected on the loss of her brother during the Korean War and the devastation it caused her family. Her sister, Marge Mirilovich, is also in the picture.
Marty Kuhar, (pictured) a member of the Cambria County War Memorial Authority Board, accepted the Gold Star plaque (pictured). The War Memorial is now the third site in Central Pennsylvania to earn this distinction. The other two are James E. VanZandt VA Medical Center Wall that Heals in Altoona and Patriot Park in Stoystown.
Following this was the gun salute, taps and retirement of the colors. Bob Wilkey then expressed his appreciation to those who attended.
Crowd in attendance at the ceremony.
After the ceremony, refreshments were served and attendees were invited to tour the War Memorial Veterans Museum.
Nancy Jo Block, who helped with the refreshments, was part of the Gold Star committee.
The museum was then opened to the public.
Upon entering the museum, a map of the Civil War greets visitors.
Recognition is given to the soldiers who fought for the Union in the Civil War.
This picture shows mannequins featuring historical uniforms from World War I, World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, Desert Storm, etc. and various branches of the service, army, navy, marines, etc.
Women’s Army Corps (WAC) and Women’s U.S. Navy uniforms from WWII or Korean War era, in the foreground.