SHENANDOAH - The Memorial Day commemoration here paid special remembrance to the community's special hero, Marine Cpl. Anthony P. Damato with the dedication of a mural that honors his being awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor during World War II.
It was among ceremonies countywide - from Sheppton to Orwigsburg and Tamaqua to Pine Grove - honoring veterans and those who paid the ultimate price for America's freedom.
The annual Memorial Day parade in Shenandoah began at 9 a.m., moving north on Main Street with the American Legion Anthony P. Damato "Medal of Honor" Post 792 honor guard leading the way, followed by the Shenandoah Valley Blue Devil Pride Marching Band under the direction of Robert Stoner, Shenandoah Little League players and coaches and fire apparatus of the Shenandoah Fire Department.
The parade stopped at the Veterans Memorial at Main and Washington streets, where service officer Joseph Chowanes conducted the program. The Shenandoah Valley band provided the music throughout.
"This day is sacred with the almost visible presence of those who have gone before us," said Chowanes in his opening remarks. "We honor the memory of the lives of those who gave their lives in the service of our country and of those who have dropped their burdens along the wayside of life and have gone to their eternal rest. May the ceremonies of today deepen your reverence for our departed friends and comrades. Let us renew our pledge of loyalty to our country and its flag."
Post Chaplain Charles Calise presented the invocation and benediction. The program included the laying of the wreath at the memorial by post members Joseph Cocco and John Alcaraz, followed by a three-volley rifle salute and playing of taps.
After the program, most people moved to American Legion Memorial Garden in the 100 block of North Main Street for the mural dedication honoring Damato. The Shenandoah native enlisted in the Marines in January 1942, served in Northern Ireland for a short time before serving in the Northern African campaign, returned to the United States for a few months in 1943 before being assigned to the Pacific Theater of Operations. On the night of Feb. 19-20, 1944, at the airstrip on Engebi Island, Eniwetok Atoll in the Marshall Islands, Damato sacrificed his life by falling on a Japanese grenade, shielding two fellow Marines in the foxhole from the explosion. For his bravery, Damato was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration awarded by the United States.
In addition to Damato, the mural also honors all military services and depicts the history of Shenandoah in its life, industry, culture and ethnic diversity. The mural depicts the Dorsey Brothers - Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey - who were raised in the borough and developed their musical talent, and the coal and garment industries, which led to the growth of the town in the late 19th and 20th centuries.
The mural, created by Pottsville artist Martin Braukus, is 150 feet long and 30 feet high at its tallest point and was begun in June 2009, with students from Shenandoah Valley High School. The project was originally planned for the school's art class and funded through a 2008-09 Learn and Service America K-12 School-Based Federal Grant to the school district through the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Due to the scope of the project, Braukus was hired, with about 40 students assisting him at the beginning, including providing input into the design.
Barbara Boyer, Shenandoah Valley math teacher and Learn and Serve adviser who coordinated the project with the students, spoke about the history of the Learn and Serve grant, received through an application written by teacher Linda Hixson. Students used the grant money for various activities in and out of the borough, including the creation of the mural.
"These students gave up hours of their summer vacation in the blistering heat to help Mr. Braukus with this mural," Boyer said. "Because of their dedication to the project, they now leave a piece of them that will be shared for generations to come. They will always remember coming to this garden and leave their mark. The students' intent was to design a mural that depicted the community of Shenandoah to everyone who drove by. The community of Shenandoah cannot be described without mentioning the profound ethnic cultures that comprise the town."
Boyer pointed out the many persons depicted wearing their respective native costume and carrying their ethnic flags. She also said that the mural shows the great service that Shenandoah men and women provided to the armed forces, and in many cases died for their country on the fields of battle, especially honoring Damato.
Boyer also thanked Shenandoah Main Street Program Manager Mary Luscavage, noting her many hours of work in coordinating the mural project. Luscavage, who was in attendance, received a round of applause.
"The project would not have been successful without her," Boyer said.
She also thanked Braukus for his work in taking on such a large project.
Four of the student mural artists were in attendance: Jillian Dove, Ahna Huss, Janette Lukashunas and Marissa Conti. Dove, Huss and Lukashunas spoke during the program on what the mural means to them.
Braukus spoke briefly about working the huge mural.
"I just want to say thank you for all the kindness and making me feel very welcome. I was a temporary Shenandoan," Braukus said. "Thank you to the American Legion, Mary Luscavage, Barb Boyer and the students. I'm very honored to have been a part of this."