A ceremony was held July 4 to rededicate the Bowmans­town War Monument following a renovation program.

The Bowmanstown-Parryville Lions Club, along with the Bowmanstown Borough Council, members of Bowmanstown Area Residents Connected and others contributed to the project, which cost approximately $5,000.

Loraine Neal, immediate past president of the Bowmanstown-Parryville Lions Club, explained.

“The monument was in need of refurbishing. Someone brought it up at one of our Lions Club meetings, and we wrote a grant. Then, with prices going up, we went to the (Bowmans­town) Borough and said, ‘We have some money; but, we need more help.’ They checked their budget and were able to help us out. Then Bowmanstown residents, through BARC, helped.”

Miele Manufacturing and PA Skill helped with funding as well.

The rededication was originally going to be held on Veterans Day 2021, but the monument was not ready in time. Memorial Day 2022 plans were changed due to bad weather.

Martha Moyer led everyone in singing the national anthem. Members of the Palmerton American Legion provided the Color Guard.

State Rep. Doyle Heffley spoke to the crowd.

“I have the honor and opportunity to serve in the State House in the 122nd District and represent so many great communities all across Carbon County. As you come into Bowmanstown, you can see American flags decorating so many homes on this great Fourth of July weekend. It’s so fitting that we recognize and honor our nation and honor those who fought and served to protect and preserve our freedoms. To the Palmerton Legion and the veterans that are here, thank you.

Other guests included David Leon, district governor of the Pennsylvania Lions Club; Bruce Koch, Bowmanstown Fire Co.; and Kara Scott, president of BARC.

Richard Beers, a veteran and a member of Bowmanstown Parryville Lions Club, offered his thoughts.

“We have a motto in our Lions Club, ‘We Serve.’ These people on the monument, they served also; but, in a different way. We should be thankful that they did serve. If you have nothing to do, take a walk down here and read the names on the monument; step back and give them a salute. I think they will appreciate it. And you never know, maybe they’re up there, returning the salute.”

Members of the Bowmanstown-Parryville Lions Club helped unveil the monument and a wreath was set in front.

The monument in Bowmanstown was erected Aug. 10, 1940. It features a plaque in memory of Bowmanstown Soldiers of War 1917-1919, which was provided by the Bowmans­town council. The monument also features a plaque listing Veterans of World War II 1941-1945, as well as plaques to honor Veterans from the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Gulf War. The flagpole was later added in dedication of soldiers who put lives at risk to protect and ensure the freedom we all now cherish, donated by residents of Bowmanstown as well as the Cipko Brothers.

The Bowmanstown-Parryville Lions Club meets the first and third Monday of the month. For information, contact Loraine Neal at 610-597-1875.

“If you didn’t get her today, stop and visit the monument,” Neal added. “Talk to your kids about it, think about people’s lives that have given so much of themselves and their families so that we can be free.”