To the Editor:

It is my wish and it should be a given, that when you see this Letter to The Editor it will be just one of many well deserved letters to The Press expressing my same gratitude in celebrating a memorable Memorial Day, 2022 in Ontelaunee Park, New Tripoli.

Thankfully it was a clear, sunny day for this wonderful event.

Yes, it was hot but the dedication of the new Northwestern Lehigh Veterans Memorial was as fantastic as the unveiled memorial itself.

Our discomfort paled in comparison to the sacrifices and suffering persevered by these almost 2,500 men and women now honored for eternity with their names engraved on one of the 22 panels of the 11 granite monuments paying tribute to their military service to our nation.

Among them, an elite group, carefully identified by engraved symbol, which without hesitation laid down their lives for you and me or continue to be missing in action.

Perhaps one shortcoming of the event I would point to was not bestowing sufficient, well-deserved credit on each member of the committee and I’m sure the veterans and audience would have eagerly applauded each and every name as they stood for personal recognition.

Kudos to President Donald Christ, Vice President Harold Handwerk, Secretary Willard Dellicker, David Keller, Terry Rehrig and Nancy Zellner of Lynn Township; Treasurer Eugene Handwerk, Justine Bachman, Steve Bachman and William Mantz of Heidelberg Township; Richard Bleiler and Harold Haas of Weisenberg Township and Rich Hughes of Lowhill Township.

Advisors included Architect Chris Brown, Construction Manager Ron Jerdon and Site Developer Andrew Talago.

I’m sure many of you have visited military memorial tributes in other locations and will agree that the quality and contents of the Northwestern Lehigh Veterans Memorial far exceeds the majority even in much larger municipalities and cities.

Some sites may be larger, contain a limited number of engraved stones or plaques purchased by individuals or vendors, or are enhanced by water displays or fancy lighting but seldom other than perhaps on the Mall in Washington, D.C., are there such personal tributes displayed.

Unlike in D.C. due to the sheer volume of names, it is fitting that only those killed in action can be listed whereas in our smaller defined region of Northwestern Lehigh it is truly wonderful that the names of all men and women with military service are eligible to have their names engraved onto the panels.

These engravings are simply beautiful, giving real substance and existence to our local military heroes ­- a place where one can place their finger and heart and feel attached to history, be it a loved one, an ancestor they have proudly learned about or just a randomly selected name in this massive brotherhood not listed by rank or branch of service but designated only by period of service.

We can’t overlook the extensive, professionally prepared souvenir booklet which became a treasured family heirloom the minute it was placed in the hands of a new owner.

Perhaps you heard mentioned that the committee has yet another $80,000 to raise to cover the construction and beyond this goal will need to maintain another nest egg to cover any future maintenance.

Perhaps you have already donated or did so during the dedication event, but it behooves all of us to again dip into our pockets in the months ahead to remove the task of additional fundraising off the shoulders of this fine volunteer committee who have already contributed years of effort bringing about this splendid memorial.

This memorial is sure to be a prominent destination in the Lehigh Valley and there is no better place outside of Arlington or regional national cemeteries to take our youth for a teaching moment.

All should reflect on these panels of names of so many unselfish heroes who are residents of or at some point in their life have called this special rural countryside within the current boundaries of our Northwestern Lehigh School District their home.

Read aloud the wisdom expressed by prominent people throughout our history and study the very symbolism of this memorial’s great design.

Whatever your age, a visit will renew your patriotism and appreciation of all the sacrifices and wisdom of so many who from the French and Indian War to today’s War on Terrorism have contributed to establishing our perfect democratic nation, reminding all that by action and deed we owe the same to our future generations.

Ann A. Wertman

Lowhill Township