Story by: Katie Kyros
Hundreds of people visited the Court of Valor at Prospect Hill Cemetery in York on Sunday.
They were there to see new names added to the monument, which honors those who make special sacrifices both at home and abroad.
19 new names were added, including that of Retired Marine Captain Anthony Stabile who went into combat in three different wars.
“It feels wonderful to be able to read it, being alive to see that. It’s a great honor to be on there,” says Ret. Capt. Anthony Stabile.
It’s been five years since the steel from the World Trade Center was built into the Court of Valor. Beneath it now are many names of young veterans who served in the past 12 years. Matthew Hanes’ name is there, he was severely wounded while serving in Afghanistan.
“It’s an honor to be on something like this, it adds a lot of meaning because that’s the reason we went over there, so it’s the reason we all served. We all live here and we all deserve the freedom we have; somebody needs to defend it and that’s what we did,” Hanes says.
A total of 316 names now mark the monument. This year, another memorial was on display as well, to show portraits of Marines who died fighting in the War on Terror.
In addition, Chief Rodney Miller of the Loganville Fire Department, who was struck and killed while directing traffic at an accident scene, was one of the first responders recognized. A flag was presented to his family.
Event organizer Jack Sommer says, “These people don the uniform, put themselves in harm’s way, and irrespective of what any of us thinks about what they’re called to do, the fact that they answer that call is what we should honor. That’s what this is all about.”
New names will be added to the granite columns each year until they’re covered.
If you or someone you know qualifies for this tribute, contact the Prospect Hill Cemetery Heritage Foundation. Call the office at (717) 843-8006 or visit the website at www.prospecthill.org