Carl F. Schmoyer III of Breinigsville was recently honored at the 118th annual conference of the Pennsylvania State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution at the Holiday Inn and Conference Center, Fogelsville.

Schmoyer, who almost 12 years ago with his family initiated a massive Fourth of July fireworks display in Breinigsville Park, for Lehigh Valley residents, was presented the Ellen Hardin Walworth Founders Medal for Patriotism by Pennsylvania State Regent Roberta "Bobbi" McMullen.

In addition to the DAR the Founders Medal for Patriotism, Schmoyer was presented a House of Representative citation by Lehigh County Judge Doug Reichley, a former state representative, on behalf of state Rep. Gary Day, R-187th.

Schmoyer, whose family has operated a funeral home in the Breinigsville area since 1879, was nominated for the Founders Medal.

During the presentation, McMullen read an excerpt from one of the 10 letters of recommendation she received nominating Schmoyer for the award.

Schmoyer commented on receiving the award.

"I was completely surprised receiving this honor," Schmoyer told The Press. "It was an emotional experience and I am humbled to even have been nominated.

"The Medal for Patriotism Award will be proudly shared with the many others who have helped with all the community events in which I have been involved over the years.

"I gratefully thank them and thank the Pennsylvania State Society Daughters of the American Revolution."

The National Society of Daughters of American Revolution was founded in 1890 by Mary Desha, Mary S. Lockwood, Ellen Walworth and Eugenia Washington.

The Founders Medal, established in 1995 and named after each of these founders, recognizes those who have given unselfishly to their community, state or nation in the areas of patriotism, education, heroism or youth.

The Ellen Hardin Walworth Medal for Patriotism honors an adult who has displayed "outstanding patriotism in promotion of the American ideals of God, home and country through faithful and meritorious service to the community, state or nation."

For more information, go to dar.org or pssdar.org.