Photo by Becky Polaski State Representative Matt Gabler, right, is shown greeting family members of Private Harry E. Harrison, who was killed in action in France in 1944. Harrison was supposed to have posthumously been awarded a Bronze Star Medal and it was finally presented to his family by Gabler on Saturday.

By Becky Polaski

Staff Writer

The Mt. Zion Historical Society held its annual Memorial Day celebration on Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Mt. Zion Historical Park. 

The guest speaker at this year’s event was State Representative Matt Gabler. As he addressed the crowd, Gabler reflected on the history of Jay and Benezette Townships and noted that it is something for the Township residents to be proud of.

“I think it is important for all of us to remember what a vibrant history we have,” Gabler said.

Gabler, along with Elk County Veterans Affairs Director Leslie Neal-Glatt, also made a special presentation to the family of Private Harry E. Harrison.

“There are some times across history where our government doesn’t quite get things right. Today we have the opportunity to correct one of those such instances,” Gabler said.

He explained that Harrison was killed in action in France on June 24, 1944. When Harrison’s family was notified of his death in November 1944, they were informed that Harrison would be posthumously receiving a Bronze Star Medal for gallantry and bravery in action.

“Up until today, that has only been on paper. For whatever reason the family has never received that Bronze Star,” Gabler explained.

He and Neal-Glatt then presented the family with the Bronze Star Medal in honor of Private Harrison.

Following this presentation, Neal-Glatt gave the dedication of the special award plaques and walkway pavers that had been installed at the Historical Park over the past year in honor of area veterans.

Others addressing the sizable crowd that gathered for the ceremony included Mt. Zion Historical Society President James Burke. As he addressed those in attendance, Burke reflected on the activities that have taken place in the past year and also noted that since last year’s ceremony there have been 158 memorial pavers installed in the walkway at the Historical Park. He also explained that the Mt. Zion Historical Society now has a web site and can be found online at http://mtzionhistoricalsociety.org.

Ron Guilyard addressed the crowd regarding Benezette native John Showers. Guilyard explained that Showers was killed in action in Vietnam in October 1967 while trying to save the life of a fellow soldier.

“Men like John must never be forgotten,” Guilyard said. “On October 3, 2009 the newest bridge in Benezette will be dedicated to John and named the J. Showers Bridge.”

Evo Facchine also spoke during the ceremony. Facchine wrote articles on ten Jay Township residents who lost their lives during World War II. These articles can be found on the Mt. Zion Historical Society web site. Facchine discussed how he came to write the articles and noted all of the help that he had received from the individuals’ family members.

Mary Parziale Bentz was the final individual to address the crowd during the ceremony. She is the niece of Carmine Parziale of Weedville, who was one of 70 men killed aboard the USS Grunion in 1942. Bentz explained that the Grunion’s crew members were listed as missing in action for over 65 years until the submarine was finally located in 2006. Bentz was extremely influential in the search for the family members of the 70 men who were killed onboard the USS Grunion. She shared her story about contacting those individuals and also finding the final resting place of the submarine. A memorial plaque honoring her uncle was also dedicated during this year’s ceremony.

Prior to the ceremony, a fly over was performed by Caruso’s Flying Service using a reconditioned Army plane, which Master of Ceremonies Charles Carpin explained was a B 17 1941 Boeing Stearman.

Assisting with the continued development of the Historical Park is Josh Smith of Weedville, who is working under the supervision of David Kinkle as a requirement for his Eagle Badge of Rank. Smith organized a work party at the park at the beginning of May and a second work party is scheduled in order to put the finishing touches on the Veteran’s Honor Walkway. Smith is a member of Troop 94, the Order of the Arrow, and is Senior Patrol Leader of his scout troop.