Historical society show will honor Latrobe-area veterans
A new slide show, “Honoring Our Veterans,” will share the stories of Latrobe-area residents who served in American military campaigns from the French and Indian War through modern conflicts.
Leading up to local Veterans Day observances, the slide presentation is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday at the Latrobe Area Historical Society headquarters, 416 Weldon St.
The show draws upon research President Mary Lou Townsend completed in the society’s archives as well as wartime experiences and images shared by those who responded to the society’s plea for local veterans’ stories.
“There are a number of families who either had multiple members in military service at the same time, or ones who followed in succeeding generations,” Townsend said. “Some of these families had incredible stories of endurance.”
Relatives told Townsend about three local veterans who had been imprisoned by the enemy during World War II — two by German forces, the other by Japanese captors.
“As we got into the more recent wars, the pictures servicemen took — while stationed in Vietnam, especially — make it all the more real what these veterans went through,” Townsend said. “I gained a whole new respect after listening to veterans or their families. It was wonderful to hear their stories and be able to recognize the heroism of what they did.”
The presentation features veterans from various military branches and service eras and looks at the evolving role of women in military service, Townsend said.
One of the earliest figures in local military history is John Proctor, who set up a farm in what would become Unity Township and commanded an independent militia unit that served during the Revolutionary War.
The slide show viewings will coincide with a special society display of military uniforms and related photos, artifacts and donated items.
Doors open at 9 a.m. each day. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.
On-street parking will be available on Friday. On Saturday, those attending also may use the parking lot at Kelly Sparber & White, at Weldon and Alexandria streets.
Jeff Himler is a TribLive reporter covering Greater Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Mt. Pleasant Area and Derry Area school districts and their communities. He also reports on transportation issues. A journalist for more than three decades, he enjoys delving into local history. He can be reached at jhimler@triblive.com.
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