NEW CASTLE —
Time marches on — along with the veterans who volunteer with two area honor guard organizations.
But attrition continues to take a toll on membership for the New Castle Area Honor Guard and the Veterans Honor Guard of Beaver and Lawrence counties.
“We need to get younger guys involved,” said Tom Pirlozzi, 73, who is serving his second term as commander of the New Castle-based group.
Ten of the organization’s more than three dozen members are in their 80s. Seven are inactive because of health issues.
“When the weather gets bad, it’s difficult for some of the older guys to be outside, often standing for 30 minutes,” Pirlozzi said.
Joseph Oldaker, commander of the Veterans Honor Guard of Beaver and Lawrence counties for eight of the past 11 years, agrees.
“We’re all getting up in age and we need to get the younger veterans interested, but it seems nobody wants to take the responsibility,” he said. “I understand that it can be difficult for someone who is still working to commit the time.”
Oldaker said some things that the honor guard has done in the past are now falling by wayside because of aging and declining health of membership.
“We’ve had to turn down requests to present the colors and raise the lower flags.”
“If (an event) doesn’t pertain to military functions, we just aren’t able to do it,” Oldaker said. “I apologize, but nobody complains. I think they understand.”
Pirlozzi said funerals always take precedent, even when it means having to cancel previously scheduled events.
JOINED AFTER OBSERVING
Pirlozzi, an Army veteran, joined in 2005 after observing an honor guard ceremony during the funeral of his father-in-law, Larry Pegley.
“It was a wonderful way to honor those who have served,” said Pirlozzi. He said others have joined for the same reason.
The New Castle Area Honor Guard performs between 100 and 150 funeral services each year — that equates to approximately 2,500 during its 20 some years in existence.
In addition, the New Castle group has donated more time to perform at some 35 programs for schools, churches and various community organizations.
They have done as many as three funerals in a day.
The New Castle Area Honor guard buried two of its former members this year. Robert Guncy died on Oct. 22 and former commander Phillip Kelly on Nov. 12.
Pirlozzi said it requires no less than 15 veterans to properly perform a military funeral.
Members are positioned at the head and foot of the casket.
NO FEE FOR SERVICES
“There’s no such thing as charging a fee for our services,” Pirlozzi said. “We’ve always felt that way. If a family wants us there, we’ll be there.”
Family members are appreciative of having the honor guard present and often donate money to the organization to help keep it operating.
“Donations from families is how we buy supplies,” Oldaker said.
Pirlozzi said funds are used to purchase and update uniforms for members.
The Veterans Honor Guard of Beaver and Lawrence counties, which is based in Beaver Falls, has 27 members, down from a high of 35.
The group has done a number of events this year, including various dedications honoring the late Leslie Sabo, who posthumously received the Medal of Honor last May.
Among the duties performed by the honor guards are the folding of the flag and presenting it a surviving relative.
Pirlozzi often handles those duties. “Sometimes I have to look away to maintain composure and concentrate on what has to be done,” he said.
“It’s an honor to do what we do, and it’s quite a somber moment.”
Oldaker experiences similar emotions.
“When you fold a flag and present it to a widow, is a powerful moment,” he said. “Being able to honor veterans this way is a wonderful thing.”
“Every year I fear it may fall apart; that nobody to come forward to take our places.”
(Email: d_burcham@ncnewsonline.com)
Local News
Related Photos
-
Members of the New Castle Veterans Honor Guard salute while bugler Jim Leopardo plays ‘taps’ during the dedication of a monument at Tifereth Israel Cemetery to eight Jewish men who died in World War II.
Discussion
Honor guards in need of a few good — and younger — men
- Local News
-
-
Movie Memories, Part 4: Penn Theater remembered for opulence, Leo Mickey’s weekend kiddie shows
When today’s New Castle residents recall the city’s former movie theaters, the Penn may be the most fondly remembered. Built in the 1920s, the Penn “was the first one (downtown) to be built as a full-fledged, deluxe theater,” said Jack Oberleitner, a New Castle native and owner of a cinema consulting firm that bears his name.
-
Movie Memories, Part 3: The Hi-Lander and Cinema theaters were the last two New Castle movie houses to go dark
Although the downtown once was dotted with movie theaters, one of the last to close was well up the North Hill. The 750-seat Hi-Lander opened in 1952, the result of a joint effort by two pairs of area drive-in owners: Al Tate and John Wincek (Highway 51 near Darlington, and John Favorite and Joe Glorioso (Blue Sky near Zelienople).
-
No tax hike in Union school budget
The Union Area School Board has introduced a $10.6 budget with no tax increase. If the $10,585,494 spending plan is approved, it will be the third year without a tax increase in the district. The property tax is at 14.42 mills.
-
Movie Memories, Part 2: Monsters, cowboys and ultimately, sex, were staples at State Theater
Second in a series: Daily through Memorial Day, the New Castle News will be looking back at some of the city’s now-defunct movie theaters. These movie houses will be seen primarily through the eyes of New Castle natives with ties to them — including “Mister Movie” himself, Leo Mickey. Today: The State Theater
-
Movie Memories, Part 1: Victor one of many long-gone local theaters
First in a series: Today through Memorial Day, the New Castle News will be looking back at some of the city’s now-defunct movie theaters. These movie houses will be seen primarily through the eyes of New Castle natives with ties to them — including “Mister Movie” himself, Leo Mickey. Today: The Victor
-
Our Opinion: Make the most of your power to vote by casting ballot tomorrow
So what kind of turnout will there be for tomorrow’s primary? Recent history suggests somewhere between low and lousy. This year’s elections are devoted to local races, and there are few major ones being contested in the primary.
-
Relay for Life set for next week
New Castle’s Relay for Life will kick off at 7 p.m. May 31 on the track at Shenango High School’s Glen “Pop” Johnston Stadium. Relay for Life is an organized, overnight fundraising walk for the American Cancer Society.
-
New Castle News names new publisher
Sharon A. Sorg is no stranger to hometown newspapers. It’s no surprise, then, that she’s been selected to lead the newspaper in her hometown. Sorg has been named publisher of the New Castle News, which is just a few miles from her residence in Pulaski Township.
-
Rockin’ Recess: Laurel youngsters earn a morning of music, health education
Hands clapping. Arms waving. Crowd chanting. That was the scene at Laurel Elementary School yesterday morning. Laurel beat out four other school districts in the UPMC For Kids and Radio Disney-sponsored “Attendance Counts” competition.
-
Memorial service scheduled
The annual Croton Memorial Service will begin at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Croton Honor Roll. U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly will be the guest speaker.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Today in History May 24
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
Johnson: Don't Blame Islam or UK Policy
Raw: 80-Year-Old Climbs Mount Everest
Raw: Scuffles in London After Hacking Death
Britain Attack Believed Linked to Radical Islam
Today in History May 23
Raw: Aftermath of Deadly Attack in London
Today in History May 22
Raw: Students Clash With Police in Chile
Raw: Costa Rica Volcano Roars to Life
Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting
Raw: Japan's WWII Atrocities Under Fire in Seoul
Raw: Aussie Zoo Shows Off White Rhino Calf
Today in History for May 21st
Bank Shooting Rampage in Israel Kills 4
Wave of Attacks Kills Scores in Iraq
Raw: Fierce Bombing in Qusair, Syria
Fatal Hot Air Balloon Accident in Turkey
Raw: Accused US Spy Reportedly Leaves Russia
