A special memorial service Sunday evening in the Lehighton Park behind the statue of Col. Jacob Weiss to honor the veterans from Carbon County who served in the American Revolutionary War.

State Rep. Doyle Heffley, R-Carbon, along with Kathy Henderson, hosted the event and put the program together.

“Today we remember Revolutionary War veterans whose courage, sacrifice, and determination secured the freedoms we continue to enjoy 250 years later,” Heffley stated.

Heffley pointed out the area’s contributions to the founding of the United States. As an example, he spoke of Fort Allen, which was located in present-day Weissport.

“Fort Allen, established during the French and Indian War, stood as a symbol of protection, perseverance, and determination. It served as a vital outpost of Pennsylvania’s frontier, and reminds us that the freedoms we celebrate today were built by generations willing to endure hardship and sacrifice in pursuit of a better future.”

Heffley said that while researching the history of Colonel Jacob Weiss, that he realized the importance of Weiss’ contributions to General George Washington and the Continental Army at Valley Forge.

“During the difficult winter, at the encampment at Valley Forge, Washington’s soldiers faced hunger, disease, inadequate clothing in the bitter cold. The success of the Continental Army depended not only on the men in the ranks; but, also leaders who could organize, supply, and sustain the fight for independence. Col. Weiss was among those who contributed to that effort.”

Lehighton Mayor Ryan Saunders thanked Doyle Heffley for hosting the event, and thanked everyone who attended.

“I think it’s extremely important that we remember the Revolutionary War. Their dream 250 years ago of what was to become the United States of America was one of endured freedom, not only for them, but for generations for many, many years to come for all of us.”

“It was my cousin, retired Lt. Col Travis Steigerwalt, who brought to my attention that we have soldiers from the Revolutionary War from or who are buried in Carbon County,” Kim Werley, chairperson of the Carbon County America250 Committee, explained. “That got me thinking about those heroes. They were real people whose bravery and sacrifice were crucial to the birth of our country.”

Commander Kevin Long read each of the 19 names of the local veterans and served in the Revolutionary War, and rang a bell after each name in their honor: Col. Jacob Weiss, Col. Thomas Craig, 1st Lt. William Wilson, 2nd Lt. Peter Nothstein, Cpl. Conrad Rehrig, Pvt. John Conner, Pvt. George Hettler, Pvt. Christian Hontz, Pvt. Leonard Hontz, Pvt. Ephrima Ladd, Pvt. John Leisingring, Pvt. Peter Solt, Pvt. Charles Steigerwalt, Pvt. Johan Steigerwalt, Pvt. Peter Steigerwalt, Pvt. David Stewart, Ens. Paulus Solt, and France Paul Zellner.

The Lehighton United Veterans Organization provided the rifle salute. Members of the Lehighton and Summit Hill American Legions provided the Color Guard. Lehighton Legion member Kevin O’Donnell played taps.

Angela Nardini sang the National Anthem and God Bless America. Kathy Long, License Lay Minister at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lehighton, offered the prayer.

The program honored the 19 people they were able to identify. There were many other who served who have not yet been identified.