In today's column, Mr. Harold Smith, historian of the Zion Stone Church, is taking us on a tour of the church cemetery. The first cemetery dates to 1772, the second to 1870. In those days the church, a union church hosted both Lutheran and Reformed congregations.

"The cemeteries contain veterans from most of the wars the United States has been involved in from the American Revolution to Vietnam," Harold says. "We even have veterans of the Mexican War which was fought in 1846. Few local cemeteries are the final resting place for 60 Revolutionary Veterans, one being part of our family genealogy, Henrich Kohl."

Harold explained the historic significance of some of those buried in the cemetery from the Revolutionary War period.

"Some of the first soldiers to serve our nation were the Northampton Militia. Northampton's most famous Revolutionary War soldier, Colonel John Siegfried led the Fourth Battalion of the Militia," he says.

"It took over 150 years to give them the recognition they deserved. In 1931 the Liberty Bell Daughters of the American Revolution of Allentown led a drive to secure a granite memorial to honor these veterans from the state of Pennsylvania providing the congregation would make the foundation.

"A boulder weighing 10 tons with a bronze tablet was erected by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania during the summer." On this table appears the following inscription:

"Erected by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Liberty Bell Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. This tablet is in commemoration of the services of Revolutionary soldiers buried in Zion Stone Church cemetery, Kreidersville, Pa. This marker is dedicated in grateful recognition of their patriotism, valor and fidelity."

The names of the soldiers were also added to the tablet. The dedication was on the afternoon of Sept. 20, 1931. Each Memorial Day a very inspiring service is conducted both in the cemetery and church. This writer has attended a number of the services and was honored to be a past speaker. The sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War are an integral part of the service each year and do a marvelous job in saluting all veterans.

I asked Harold, "What was the most inspiring veterans service you have witnessed?"

"There have been many but one is still fresh in my memory," he replied. "It was during World War II when I was in high school." Harold found the program dated April 14, 1943, 7:30 p.m., Rev. Geo. F. Kopenhauer, Reformed, Rev. Charles H. Ruloff Lutheran.

Harold was emotional as he spoke.

"There wasn't a dry eye in the church," he said. "There was a presentation of the service flag. A hymn was sung and Mrs. Charles Kober, mother of the first man from our church to enter the service of our county, carried the flag forward. As she passed up the aisle the wives, mothers and fathers or nearest relatives quietly and reverently left their pews and walked up the aisle."

"The flag contained a blue star for every one serving. There were 49 blue stars and one gold star honoring Alfred Kober who died in Africa on March 5, 1943. Later, three more gold stars were added for men who were lost."

"The pastors received the flag and placed it on the altar. The silk flag was hung in the church. Each Sunday one was reminded of the courage and sacrifice of our young soldiers, sailors and Marines."

"Never in my life have I heard hymns sung with more emotion and resolve," he says. "The final prayer: 'We dedicate our dear ones to thee and to the cause and service of our beloved country, beseeching thee to keep them in our care and hold them true to you.'"

I can't add much more to this column. Close your eyes and think about what you just read, remembering those who served and continue to protect our nation! God bless them!

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In two weeks Harold Smith completes a half century in the food industry. We'll be over in Fullerton.