Bonds and friendship forged in military experience have been summed up in a quote - “Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave and impossible to forget.”

This sentiment was apparent for those who honored their veteran family members and friends during the Hometown Heroes banner celebration, held Feb. 4 at Catasauqua American Legion Post 215, 330 Second St.

Joseph T. Kovacs, president of the Post’s home association and vice commander of the Post, was excited yet humbled by the number of attendees at the event, which was intended to bring members of the Catasauqua community together.

There were 16 banners displayed, as family and friends paid tribute to the veterans honored on them. Comments offered thanks for their service to the country, community and families.

The idea of purchasing the Hometown Heroes banners to raise awareness in the Catasauqua community began with the vision of Kim Brubaker and the Catasauqua Main Streets organization. Main Streets developed the idea and approached Post 215 for help. The American Legion Post 215 reportedly embraced the idea wholeheartedly.

The combined labors of Main Streets and American Legion Post 215 resulted in a social hall full of family members, friends, Legion members and others celebrating their loved ones’ service to this country.

Kovacs offered welcome remarks to the attendees. Veteran Richard Fink provided the invocation and the benediction. Brubaker also served as a speaker. Post Commander Mike Rennig assisted with the placement of the banners.

It was a solemn yet celebratory gathering that was appreciated by all who attended. A number of speakers became emotional as they spoke of their loved one. One participant had to stop during the tribute to his father as he could not go on emotionally. There were plenty of heartfelt tears.

Catasauqua Mayor Barbara Schlegel was present with her husband, Catasauqua Councilman Gene Schlegel, who is a Vietnam veteran. He was honored with a banner as a Hometown Hero.

“My pappy (Gene) is the best,” said one of Schlegel’s grandchildren. “I love when we have sleepovers, which we call Camp Catasauqua. I also love to paint his toenails when he takes a nap. I’m lucky to have him as my pappy.”

“Today, I’m going to be talking about my grandfather, Eugene Schlegel, or, as I know him, Pappy,” another of Schlegel’s grandchildren said. “My grandfather always has a good story and a corny joke. I’m always in the mood to hear one of his stories about when he was in the Navy.”

Other Hometown Heroes honored were Russell Williams, Robert Fegley, Clark Belzner, Edward Hudak, George Haas, William Gilfert, Robert Pursell Jr., Stanley Schenkel, Dennis Kisthart, Victor Rennig, Post 215 Commander Mike Rennig, Steve Rennig, Joseph Tognali, Edward Hadik and James Thomas.

Presenters shared stories and comments about the service of the honorees.

G. William Haas honored George Haas, a decorated U.S. Marine combat veteran of World War II who saw combat at Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima and was on the island of Tinian, where the Enola Gay plane took off to drop the nuclear bomb on Hiroshima, ending the war with Japan.

U.S. Army Sgt. Robert Fegley’s sister, Debbie Danner, gave an emotional, touching talk when she honored her brother, who was 28 when he died. He served with distinction in the Persian Gulf War, where he earned a Bronze Star for valor when he heroically saved two soldiers during combat.

Linda Thomas-Colgan traveled from New Jersey to speak about her father, James Peter Thomas. He had a lifelong experience serving Catasauqua as a member of borough council for years. Because of his service as a civilian to Catasauqua, he has a memorial bench at Catasauqua Park. It was dedicated in 2022 for his efforts and love of the borough.

Numerous attendees remained after the event to socialize. There was a clear spirit of camaraderie and fellowship that signified the importance of this gathering.

Kovacs, Brubaker and decadeslong Catasauqua community activist Janice Lathrop are already planning the next batch of banners to be ordered and delivered to other Catasauqua veterans’ families.