The Palmerton United Veterans Organization is in need of some “young blood” to carry on the organization’s legacy.

Joe Uhnak, first vice commander of the Palmerton American Legion Post 269, and George Duell, member of the Palmerton American Legion Post 269, gathered recently at the Palmerton Veterans Memorial to discuss the need for more members.

“I’d like to thank all those who served in a 20-year war, and all they did for their country,” Uhnak said. “I’m sad on the way that ended, we (recently) lost 13 lives, and I just feel really bad for the families.”

In all, more than 2,400 U.S. troops lost their lives in Afghanistan, including the 13 who were killed in a suicide attack near the Kabul airport last month.

Uhnak said the Palmerton UVO is in search of those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, along with Korean Defense and Vietnam veterans.

“We’re trying to get a younger crowd,” he said. “Come and join us; we’ll welcome them with open arms.”

Uhnak noted that the organization will have a tent set up all three days at this year’s Palmerton Community Festival.

The festival runs Sept. 10-12 in the borough park, and the tent will be set up in the northeast corner of the park.

“We will have forms to sign up for our military wall, or anyone joining our UVO,” he said. “No matter where you served, we need your help.”

Additionally, Uhnak said there will be forms available at the tent for the memorial wall, and also to purchase Hometown Heroes banners, of which there are currently 477 hanging throughout the Palmerton area.

Duell noted that the Legion has changed its membership rules, and that anyone who was honorably discharged and served after Dec. 7, 1941, is now eligible to join.

He said as an added bonus, those who join will receive their first one-year membership for free.

“What better way to welcome them (than with) a free membership for the first year,” Duell said. “We want everybody who’s eligible to join us to do whatever you can.”