POTTSTOWN >> “As long as they don’t play taps, I’m all right. If they play taps, that’s it.”
Bob Thomas of Perkiomenville was one of several veterans in Memorial Park Saturday for the first-ever Pottstown Veterans Community Day. As he explained how it felt to be part of a day honoring those who have served, his eyes watered at the thought of the familiar tune. Thomas went on to explain how pleased he was to be at the event and expressed amazement at his fellow servicemen.
“I just think it’s great. There was a guy there from the second world war sitting behind me and I thought ‘second world war. That means a lot,'” said Thomas.
The day began with a ceremony to honor the veterans who were there that day.
Attendees were addressed by U.S. Navy Captain Robert Boyce, retired commanding officer of the USS Florida, a nuclear Ohio-class submarine, and proud Pennsylvania educator. Boyce expressed his gratitude and shared experiences as he stood near the park’s memorial.
“Our nation is the most diverse nation in the world …” said Boyce. “This diversity has been made possible through the service of our dedicated military and first responders. We owe a huge vote of thanks to these modern veterans who have agreed to ‘defend the constitution of the United States against enemies both foreign and domestic.'”
Following Boyce’s address, U.S. Navy veteran Al Kutz and U.S. Army veteran Henry “Hank” Saylor, both veterans of the Korean War, were presented the Glass Tears award for their service and cheered on by family and friends who came in support.
“I’m here because my brother, Henry ‘Hank’ Saylor just received one of the awards,” said Barbara Updegrove of Sanatoga. “Everything here is going just great.”
At the conclusion the ceremony, community members were able to spend the rest of the day enjoying a variety of entertainment including live music, local food and several tents set up by area organizations. Guests could also enjoy a nearby dunk tank, an inflatable castle for children and the annual Rotary Duck Race that began at 4:30 p.m.
The event, sponsored by the Pottstown Keystone Chapter 565 Vietnam Veterans of America, was an ideal way to be honored for their service, according to many veterans in attendance. A portion of the proceeds, including funds raised in the Sly Fox Biergarten, were awarded to local veterans’ organizations in support of their missions.
“All the veterans want is to have someone say hello and that we respect your time and service, ” said Thomas. “That’s all they want.”
