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Honoring veterans About 70 people attended the event held at the American Legion in Nanticoke

July 30, 2007

Party celebrates America’s finest

NANTICOKE – Residents of the nursing home in the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Plains Township were honored at an indoor barbecue Sunday afternoon at American Legion No. 350.

“It’s a privilege to be invited down to this party,” Henry Bolosky said. “This is a truly, truly special event to all of us at the VA.”

About 70 people, a mix of veterans and volunteers, attended the event held in the back hall of the American Legion.

Bolosky, a retired chief officer of the Navy, said his patriotism was running high as he and his fellow veterans celebrated the afternoon with refreshments and a full-course meal.

“This makes you feel young again,” the World War II and Korean War veteran said. “I’m 82 years old, and I’m ready to enlist again.”

After Jolly Joe & the Bavarians began playing “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” a volunteer hurriedly ran over to Bolosky’s wheelchair, placed a flag into his hand and strolled him onto the dance floor.

“For our country,” Bolosky yelled, waving his flag on the way to join the other attendants.

Chet Kunigonis, the commander of the 12th District of the American Legion who has the final say in all 38 posts in Luzerne County, said events such as Sunday’s are a highlight for nursing home residents.

“If it wasn’t for these guys, the world would be pretty different,” Kunigonis said. “It’s great to see them celebrated and get them all out enjoying themselves.”

Dressed in a shirt that resembled the American flag, Loretta Chmura, chairperson of the event, handed out to each of the veterans bags containing a patriotic wreath, $20 worth of tickets for snacks at the VA and a baseball hat.

“Just look at everyone,” Chmura said. “We always have a great response at these events from the community, everyone donating something. These men and women fought for our freedom, and deserve everything we can give them.”

Jolly Joe, the lead singer/accordion player for the group, said the band frequently plays for residents at the VA.

“We love it,” said the Vietnam veteran. “We’ve been at it 45 years and can play all day for these people; sometimes I don’t know who’s happier, them or us.”

As the veterans entered the bus to return to the nursing home, Chmura stood outside holding Cocomo, a blue and gold macaw parrot. As Chmura waved, so did her 10-year-old parrot, holding a flag in its claws as the bus headed down East Broad Street in front of the American Legion.

“Cocomo attends 1,000 events a year in nursing homes,” Chmura said. “And all the veterans love to see her here.”

Ron Lieback, a staff writer for The Times Leader, may be reached at 829-7210.

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