Dear Editor:

I discovered a rare gem in the coal fields. Not a Black Diamond, but a true gem call Coaldale, Pennsylvania. Have you heard of Southern hospitality? Try coal region hospitality! A few weeks ago I accompanied a friend on one of his sales trips to Coaldale. I always take a book with me and read for several hours as he conducts his business.This time I was so impressed with the appearance and upkeep of the properties on Phillip Street that I put the book down and decided to go for a walk. I walked by the old high school and noticed the plush green grass on the football field. In our days the field was dirt and the boys from Coaldale really knew how to work the dirt. Upon completion of my tour, I met a lovely young lady who had just completed a bike journey. I began asking her questions about the old school, the beautiful Laurel Gardens Apartments and other interesting buildings nearby. She said her father owned the apartments, was on the town council and she would get him for me. Her father, Dave Yelito, a fine fellow, not only proudly answered my questions, but he took me on a grand tour of the Old Coaldale High School including the gym and trophy case. Upon departing from Dave he advised me to visit the Coaldale War Memorial behind the bank building uptown. He served on the memorial committee. Much of his work was visible at the site.Thank heavens I took his advice and had my friend drive me to see the memorial. I have been on the Bloomsburg Memorial Committee for many, many years. We have accomplished nothing! I have been taking photos of memorials in Canada and throughout Pennsylvania for my committee. I have seen nothing that compares to the Coaldale War Memorial! Every student in the Panther Valley should witness this masterpiece, to experience and yes meditate in the adjoining lovely prayer garden.I visit many local schools and share my war time experiences with the students; two wars, seven major battles, including two in Iwo Jima, Okinawa and Halsey's Typhoon, the greatest storm in the history of the Navy.If only the students in the younger generations knew what the veterans have been through the recognition can be attributed; as quoted in the Talmud. "If there is no knowledge, there is no understanding. If there is no understanding, there is no knowledge." This can be accomplished by inviting the veterans into the schools to converse with the students and be sure when you see a veteran be sure to thank him for his service and time given for the freedom of this proud nation. With that, thanks you will bring job and a tear to their eye with just your simple act of thanks.I returned to Coaldale this past Labor Day weekend to take more pictures. I met Dave, his brother, Tom, and another friend, Dick, at the memorial. While visiting with the group, Chief Delaney drove up and kindly allowed me to go to the second floor of the police station to take some additional pictures from above. Finally Dave and his group took me on another tour of the Coaldale High School. The entire bottom floor has been redone and it is much nicer than ever thanks to Dave's committee.Do you know I almost forgot to thank the fantastic committee for their efforts in creating this masterpiece? Questions; Who designed the Veterans Memorial? Where did they obtain the funds for the project? Coaldale is a small town less than 2000 citizens in a depressed area so how did they find the funds to put up a war memorial? Who were the master craftsmen that completed this amazing project?Other great experiences this weekend in this area: This included a trip to Number 9 Mines were the young lady held back the last tour until my younger brother DJ arrived shortly after word from Philadelphia. the fantastic fine dining Italian restaurant in Tamaqua where my family and I, three brothers and my son got involved in a sing-along and stole the show. Many thanks to a most talented accordion player because he made us feel so welcome. Only in coal country!It is always such a pleasure to return home to the super friendly, caring people of Schuylkill County. My son and I often stay at the Ramada in Pottsville and we are always so impressed with the social atmosphere of the area. To hear ourselves called butty or buddy is always such a pleasure. When we hear this word, so often used in the coal regions, we always know we are home once again. I still use butty or buddy for many of my good friends! You Go Coaldale!Respectfully submitted,Dick Donald,BloomsburgProfessor Emeritus Bloomsburg University