Pocono News Section

War Weapon Brought Home to Luzerne County

War Weapon Brought Home to Luzerne County - Saturday, May 30, 2009 at 04:26AM EST

Reported by: Kyla Campbell
Saturday, May 30, 2009 @ 04:26am EST

LARKSVILLE, LUZERNE COUNTY -- The Howitzer was used during WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, and now it's here to stay at the Larksville American Legion.

"It brings back memories," said Peter Perdikis of Swoyersville, a Korean War veteran who used a Howitzer. "Let's leave it there."

"No doubt about it, I think you can see I get emotional about it," said Lt. Col. Kevin Miller, Commander of the 109th Field Artillery. "You can see the members of the 109th that remember this when they started out training. They know what it meant -- a lot of sweat, hard work, and dedication."

Congressman Paul Kanjorski, an Army veteran, helped get this Howitzer back to the 109th Field Artillery, which used this specific one from 1968 until 1991.

"I did some of my summer camps using Howitzers like this," said Kanjorski, who added Larksville has a larger proportion of veterans compared to other local communities. "They're considered one of the most patriotic communities in Northeast Pennsylvania."

The Howitzer was also dedicated to miners who risked and lost their lives making fuel for the armed forces.

"It's a symbol of our freedom and the sacrifices that have been made," added Miller. "I think it could only just bring a sense of pride.

"On this Memorial Day, the real Memorial Day, this serves as a fitting not only to them, but their comrades who served the full measure," concluded Kanjorski.