Over the weekend, a Summit Hill organization honored the soldiers who gave their lives serving in a war.

The Panther Valley chapter of the Knights of Columbus at St. Joseph Parish of the Panther Valley held a dedication ceremony Sunday and unveiled a new monument on the church grounds that honored dozens of fallen soldiers from all parishes that make up St. Joseph.

“The purpose of this is to get all of our consolidated parishes who lost soldiers to battle to be joined together,” said Grand Knight Bob Infante. “They’re going to have one common spot where everyone who cares has a place to view them and thank them for all they did.”

The project has been in the works for over a year and was made possible through both business and patron donations, as well as the hard work of the Knights of Columbus with researching to find all the names of those lost to war.

“We’re very happy it’s today, on the Fourth of July weekend,” Infante said. “Independence is not free and these people paid the price.

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“When the battles with the enemy began, they fought. They fought knowing what could happen, and the terror was real but their bravery won over every time. In the end, these men join their final brotherhood so we honor them, knowing that each and every one of them wanted to live a full and happy life. Since that wasn’t to be, we can only hope that they’d be pleased to be here together in the company of the generations.”

Jordan Cook, district deputy of the Knights of Columbus, commended Council 17300 for their hard work and dedication they have shown since the group formed.

“Because of these men and women, we can stand here today,” Cook said. “We thank them for their service.”

He also commended Summit Hill business Walter’s Monument on the beautiful craftsmanship of the monument.

The soldiers’ names that appear on the monument are from the former St. Stanislaus and St. Joseph in Summit Hill; St. Mary’s, St. John the Baptist and SS. Cyril and Methodius in Coaldale; St. Michael the Archangel, St. Ann’s and SS. Peter and Paul in Lansford; and Sacred Heart, Immaculate Conception and Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Nesquehoning.

“We owe them a debt of gratitude,” Cook said.

Other speakers included state Rep. Doyle Heffley, and the Rev. Robert George, pastor of St. Joseph of the Panther Valley.

“It’s a beautiful tribute of the ultimate sacrifice,” George said. “If it wasn’t for them, we would not have the Fourth of July. … Let this monument be a continued reminder for all of us.”