Flag pole dedicated in ceremony at new Herndon armed forces park

Sept. 21--HERNDON -- An 89-year-old World War II veteran was among 40 people gathered for Saturday's dedication of a flag pole and plaque that kicked off development of the Herndon Armed Forces Memorial Park.

Located across from the former Herndon National Bank on Main Street (Route 147), the grassy plot with a wooded backdrop will be home to the borough's World War II Honor Roll and recognize all those who have served.

"It's fitting that we have a memorial park such as this to recognize those who have given years of service to the nation, especially those who gave the supreme sacrifice," said Richard Sweppenhiser, former mayor of Herndon and a Marine and Air Force veteran, who noted the recent threats of terrorism in his remarks.

Sweppenhiser and others praised the widespread effort of organizations, businesses and individuals who toiled for more than a year to raise funds and find a suitable place for the park. They thanked Robert "Sam" and Patty Sitlinger, owners of Penn's Tavern, who donated the property.

'A wonderful thing'

Robert "Bud" Inch was the only one among seven living veterans on the Herndon World War II Honor Roll to make it to Saturday's ceremony. He said he was surprised when contacted about attending.

"I think it's a wonderful thing; I really do," said the Selinsgrove resident, who sat in the front row for the 30-minute program clutching a small American flag given to attendees.

Inch moved to a farm on White's Island in the Susquehanna River off the Herndon shore when he was 9 or 10 and lived there and in the borough for about 12 years before he joined the Army in December 1944. Inch Field at the south end of Herndon is named for his father, Robert W. Inch Sr.; and his brother, George, also a World War II veteran, still lives in Herndon.

Inch remembers seeing the honor board, which Sweppenhiser referred to as a "historical treasure," at its previous locations. Erected in October 1943, it stood on fire company property, then was attached to the side of the former fire house when it served as the municipal building. It was put into storage when that building was razed a few years ago.

The board was pulled out of storage in 2012 and restored by Jeff Wiseman, who owns Wiseman Graphics two doors north of the park, at about the same time the Herndon Armed Forces Memorial Committee was organizing. Finding a site proved to be "quite difficult," Sweppenhiser said, but in the end the group was successful.

"It's something the community should be proud of," he said.

The honor roll is ready for installation as soon as the site is prepared.

Four men among the 79 men and women listed on the board have asterisks beside their names, indicating they were killed in action.

One of 5,000

Millersburg Chapter 721 of the Woodmen of the World Insurance Society was instrumental in Saturday's ceremony. The organization, whose members have presented more than two million American flags to schools, churches, parks and other nonprofits since 1947, have funded placement of some 5,000 flag poles, flags and plaques since 2002, said Sara Bender, chapter president. Those have been presented in honor of the heroes and victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and those who continue to fight the war on terror, she said. Wording on the plaque also celebrates "the enduring spirit of all Americans."

Bender thanked Ann Walshaw, of Herndon, among those on the memorial committee, for getting the Woodmen involved.

The flag was raised, then lowered to half-staff, by Galen Deibler and LaMar Walborn from the Woodmen and Roger and Ann Botkin, Army veterans from Herndon.

Also speaking were current Mayor Jason Wisser, who served in the Army from 1987 to 2005, and Faye Deibler, secretary of the Woodmen chapter.

Others involved in the project or in Saturday's ceremony include Boy Scout Troop 311, Rebuck; Mandata American Legion Post 504, and Herndon Fire Company.

Up next, possibly still this fall, will be replacement of a stone wall that crosses the property and installation of the plaque and honor roll.

Donations welcome

Send donations for the park to the Herndon Armed Forces Memorial Committee, c/o Ann Walshaw, P.O. Box 401, Herndon 17830A picture of Herndon's World War II Honor Roll is displayed at Saturday's ceremony.

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