Pocono News Section

Red, White & Blue Veterans Day Tradition

Red, White & Blue Veterans Day Tradition - Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at 11:17AM EST

Reported by: Mark Hiller
Wednesday, Nov 11, 2009 @ 11:17am EST
MAYFIELD, LACKAWANNA COUNTY - Veterans are being remembered as heroes in a Lackawanna County community with a massive display of red, white and blue.

Flag after flag adorns utility poles along Lackawanna Avenue and other major roads in Mayfield. Putting up these 105-flags is something the Mayfield Lions Club does each Veterans Day starting at daybreak. "Tradition, I guess, the coming on morning and that is great," said Mayfield Lions Club member John Shust.

A tradition that dates back to 1986 and one that's been bringing out Lions Club member and Vietnam Vet Walter Nemkovick the past several veterans days. "Oh, it looks gorgeous, it looks gorgeous, um to see the flags all up there," said Nemkovick.

He's part of the volunteer crew that got up early to put up the flags. "I think this is an honor to put our flags up for servicemen who are out there today and for the people who gave their lives in defense of our country," said Nemkovick.

It's a sentiment that isn't lost on 18-year old Kristopher Serniak. It's why he's helped each year since he was 8. "For our fallen soldiers. If they did that for us, we can do this for just a little bit," said Serniak.

This show of patriotism in Mayfield is part of a large effort to honor veterans throughout Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania -- a part of the country that's well represented in the military for years. "Never faltered in serving, volunteering. We don't have draft problems," said LTC Joseph Albert (Ret.) who's been Commander of the American Legion Post #121 in Scranton the past decade.

"And the people of the community just rally around, especially when someone they know is involved in a situation," he added.

A permanent monument in Mayfield bears the names of 38 borough men who gave their lives in the fight for freedom. It's no wonder there's such patriotic pride for the people who live here and even those who are just passing through.

"I feel happy over it. I love what they're doing, this town, what they're doing up here for our vets," said Joe Marsico of Scranton who's visiting his sister.