ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Allentown on Tuesday showed love for its military veterans during a gusty half-hour Veterans Day ceremony outside City Hall.
“Thank a veteran, show up for a veteran."Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk
“Thank a veteran, show up for a veteran,” Mayor Matt Tuerk told the couple of dozen who gathered.
Tuerk also announced a $1,000 civic fund contribution to Battle Borne — an Allentown nonprofit “intent on repairing and restoring people who have served our country,” according to its website.
Battle Borne executive Christopher Yarnell, a Marine, told those in attendance to “get involved and help those who are in the fight.”
Yarnell said Allentown and the broader Lehigh Valley are “truly blessed” and remain steps ahead of other states regarding its care for veterans with “a plethora of organizations” at its disposal.
According to a 2024 year-in-review from Battle Borne, the nonprofit helped feed 780 families, joined 275 people with veterans support groups, connected 142 with benefits assistance and transported 57 to their medical appointments.
'That's the American way'
Marilyn Kelly-Cavotta, a retired Army staff sergeant and special advisor for women and minority veterans at the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, said the Pennsylvania National Guard is 18,000 strong and the third largest state unit in the country.
Even on freezing-cold mornings such as Tuesday, she said, the National Guard is known for a history of being “always ready, always there” — referencing its motto.
“That’s the American way,” Kelly-Cavotta said.
“Pennsylvania service members have played a significant role in every major conflict dating back to the Revolutionary War.”Marilyn Kelly-Cavotta, a retired U.S. Army staff sergeant and special advisor for women and minority veterans at the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
“Pennsylvania is proud of its veterans and active service members,” she said. “We are proud of the mark you have put on American history, especially when it comes to defending our freedom.
“Pennsylvania service members have played a significant role in every major conflict dating back to the Revolutionary War.”
The city police and fire department honor guards also joined together for a salute to the service and sacrifice of veterans everywhere.
They presented the colors and a bugler performed taps.
The Allentown Band and Bach Choir of Bethlehem, in its first-ever joint performance, will perform its “Americans We Tribute to Veterans” holiday concert at Miller Symphony Hall at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16.
The concert is free to attend, but tickets are required.
