As twilight settled over Lehigh Township on Veterans Day, residents, veterans, first responders and elected officials gathered in the Memorial Garden at St. Nicholas Church to honor those who served their country while also paying tribute to a man whose life was dedicated to serving his community.

The ceremony began with the Oplinger-Hower American Legion Post 899 Color Guard marching into the Memorial Garden, a newly completed tribute dedicated to Sgt. Mike McGonigle, a longtime Lehigh Township police officer who died in 2021.

For Kim McGonigle, the evening was both a celebration of veterans and the culmination of years of work to honor her husband’s memory.

“Mike was old-time police,” she said. “He was a police officer for veterans. He was the first and only D.A.R.E. officer for 15 years to many kids. He served 32 years with the Lehigh Township Police Department.”

She thanked veterans for attending and expressed gratitude to the many individuals and businesses that helped fund the garden through donations and fundraising efforts, including people whose lives had been touched by McGonigle during his years as an officer.

“It took a year for the statue to be finished,” she said.

According to McGonigle, the planning began in 2022 following Mike’s death. The statue was completed in 2023. In 2024, the couple’s son, Jeffrey, designed the garden, completed the construction work and poured the concrete. Work continued in 2025, when pavers were installed and Boy Scout Troop 62 erected the flagpole that now stands at the center of the space.

Among those seated in the garden was Bill McLaughlin, an 85-year-old township resident and Korean War veteran. McLaughlin recalled serving for three years near the Demilitarized Zone and the Chosin Reservoir.

“We were there to fight the Koreans,” he said. “The next thing we knew it was the Chinese. Guys I came with all of a sudden were gone, dead.”

His words offered a sobering reminder of the sacrifices made by veterans and the lasting memories many carry long after their service ends.

Several speakers reflected on Mike McGonigle’s legacy and the importance of remembering veterans and first responders.

State Rep. Zach Mako, a veteran, praised those who served and the families that supported them.

“As a veteran myself, it’s great to do this on Veterans Day,” Mako said. “The family is a rock to the veteran. Mike was a great guy. We need more people to step up like him.”

Retired Police Chief Jeffrey Schuler recalled McGonigle’s lifelong dream of becoming a police officer.

“It was always Mike’s dream to be a police officer,” Schuler said. “He worked well with the fire department and EMS. He was a good cop. He will be truly remembered.”

Lehigh Township Police Chief John Henry reflected on his long friendship with McGonigle.

“Mike and I were the first sergeants of the township together,” Henry said. “Thanks for the gift of freedom from all veterans. We are in your debt. Mike will always be in my heart.”

Lehigh Township Fire Department Second Assistant Chief Brian Krische said, “Having known Mike, being here tonight means something personal to me. When I hear his name, I think of the person I knew, and I know many of you here have your own memories of him.”

Krische thanked the McGonigle family for sharing the tribute and expressed appreciation for veterans, first responders and their families.

“To the veterans here tonight, thank you for your service, your sacrifice and the time you spent away from the people you love,” he said. “To our firefighters, police officers and fellow first responders, thank you for answering the call.”

He said he hopes the garden will provide both comfort and reflection.

“May this garden bring comfort to those who are grieving and peace to those who need a quiet moment. May it also remind us to show gratitude while we have opportunity.”

Township Supervisor Janet Sheats described McGonigle as a “gentle giant” and thanked Kim McGonigle for spearheading the project.

“He had a dedication to work,” Sheats said. “Thanks, Kim, for putting this all together.”

Supervisor Gerry Pritchard echoed those sentiments.

“Mike always did what was right for the township,” Pritchard said. “Thanks to all veterans.”

As the evening drew to a close, Kim McGonigle offered one final message of thanks.

“I want to thank everyone again for coming out on this chilly night to honor veterans and first responders,” she said. “As many of you know, Mike loved flags. He would visit places just to see the flags, so we have an American flag for this garden.”

She also thanked St. Nicholas Church for providing the location for the memorial.

Monsignor Pat Schoenauer concluded the ceremony with the Lord’s Prayer and a blessing.

“May Mike’s spirit be a part of this garden,” he said. “Watch over all the veterans in our lives. They gave us hope.”