Hampden Township Veterans Park

Honoring our heroes on National Medal of Honor Day. Thanks to the Six-String Soldiers for the information.

The Hampden Township Veterans Recognition Committee missed an anniversary over the weekend. On March 13, 1942, the Army began training canines for its War Dogs program, or the K-9 Corps. March 13 commemorates and honors working dogs as part of National K9 Veterans Day. Did you know that dogs are welcome in the Hampden Township Veterans Park? Dogs must be on a leash - please keep them away from the granite Points of Remembrance and the Captain Leon Lock Veterans Memorial.

The Hampden Township Veterans Recognition Committee is pleased to report that the first brick paver has been installed at the POW/MIA flag pole. Stop and see it at the Captain Leon Lock Veterans Memorial the next time you are at the Hampden Township Veterans Park.

On this date in history, 90 years ago today, the Star Spangled Banner became America's official National Anthem.

Today in History. On February 23, 1945, six Marines with the 5th Division raised the American flag atop Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Three of them, Sergeant Michael Strank, Corporal Harlon Block, and Private First Class Franklin Sousley, were killed in action before the battle was over.

Have you had a chance to purchase a paver to honor a friend or loved one? What a great Holiday gift for a Veteran in your life - or to recognize veterans in general!

79 years ago today. Japan attacks Pearl Harbor. Japanese aircraft destroyed 188 US aircraft and 159 damaged, 155 of them on the ground. Twenty-one ships were damaged or lost in the attack, including all eight U.S. battleships at anchor in Pearl Harbor, of which all but three were repaired and returned to service. At a cost of only 29 airplanes shot down and five midget submarines sunk, the Japanese had dealt the United States a staggering blow.

Many soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guard members are far from home protecting us today. The Hampden Township Veterans Recognition Committee encourages you to be thankful for them as you enjoy your turkey and football.

Remembering another soldier awarded the Medal of Honor for his unselfish acts of heroism on this date in 1967, US Army Chaplain (Major) Charles Watters. Rest in peace, Father Watters.

The Hampden Township Veterans Recognition Committee wishes a very Happy Veterans Day to all who served - past, present, and future. And thank you to their families, who also sacrificed to make that service possible. Today also marks Armistice Day, the 11th hour of the 1th hour of the 11th month in 1918, marking the end of the War to End All Wars. Sadly, that day did not mark the end of wars, but we hope for that end in the future.