Nesquehoning VFW Post 8008 wants Americans to remember and celebrate the principles of this nation.

On Monday, the members of the post, as well as the post auxiliary celebrated Loyalty Day, a day started in 1921 and signed as a national holiday on May 1 in 1958.Richard Ellis, commander of the post, read a proclamation from the White House that was signed by President Donald Trump to recognize Loyalty Day as a day to reaffirm our allegiance to the principles which America was built upon."We humbly thank our brave service members and veterans who have worn our nation's uniform from the American Revolution to the present day," he read. "Their unwavering loyalty and fidelity has made the world a safer, more free and more just place."Trump called on Americans to observe this day and display the flag at all government buildings and grounds on May 1," he said.Christa Kattner, president of the post auxiliary, pointed out that the Nesquehoning VFW is one of only a handful of organizations in the state that still celebrate Loyalty Day."Today, we specifically thank a few of the many people who put their time, talent, heart and energy into our post," she said. On Loyalty Day, we are called to reaffirm our dedication to the United States and celebrate the heritage of American freedom."Special guest speaker Byron Miller, VFW District 20 commander, added, "Today as we celebrate our loyalty to our great nation, we must keep in the forefront of our minds the most honorable and courageous Americans, those who have fought and those who continue to fight for our independence and our way of life."Other remarks were given by Guyette Calles, president of the VFW auxiliary for District 20; Henry Desrosiers, Carbon County director of Veterans Affairs; and Nesquehoning Mayor Sam Kitchko.The group then presented a number of community members with awards honoring them for various services they have done throughout the year.Manny Filloy, a post member, was honored for his service to the post; while Corinne Kattner was honored for her dedication as an auxiliary member.Phillip Parsons was honored as a veteran social member; and Deezines Flowers and Gifts of Jim Thorpe was recognized with a business award.Social members Jim Fulmer and Nicole Larthey were honored; and special awards were given to Amy Miller; Desrosiers; Noah Easterly, a Panther Valley JROTC member; and Michael Jupin, a 40-plus year member of the Nesquehoning VFW.A special surprise award was also presented to post vice commander Robert Paul for stepping up and doing so much around the post.