The seventh annual veterans' walkway brick installation was held May 26 at the Remembrance Garden at Knauss Homestead.

Family and friends gathered on this Memorial Day weekend to honor their loved ones with remembrances in the commemoratve garden.

Dr. Mike Waddell, executive director of the Emmaus Commemorative Gardens Foundation, provided the welcome, thanking all of the volunteers who made the garden possible and who continue to maintain the site. He also introduced the special guests for the afternoon, including U.S. Congressman Charlie Dent, R-15th, State Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-134th, and Jerry Farris, past Pa. Department Commander JWV, United States Air Force, Vietnam era.

Dent honored the men and women veterans who had died while serving our country, quoting from Abe Lincoln saying "they gave the last full measure of devotion." Dent also thanked those currently serving our country. "It is wonderful you have this commemorative garden," Dent said. "In Emmaus, you do it right."

Mackenzie thanked all of the volunteers and the guests who attended.

"You all are celebrating the essence of this holiday, those who gave the ultimate sacrifice." He noted his grandfather was in World War II in addition to other family members in the service.

Farris talked about a time when there was a call for men; "Uncle Sam needs you," she said, and "they came. Some as young as 17 through age 60. They didn't care; they came, fighting for the United States of America. Some made it back, many did not. They will always be heroes," Farris said.

She encouraged everyone to "not just celebrate those who died; honor those who took the oath." Farris said "they signed a blank check made out to the United States of America, up to and including my life. Everyone who serves has signed that check because they believe in America."

Before leading the crowd in the singing of "God Bless America," Farris thanked the men and women who have served our country. "God bless you and God bless America," Farris said.

Concluding thoughts were provided by Veteran Tom Gettings who is also an ECGF member. He quoted from "An Open Letter of Thanks to Veterans" by Kyle-Ann Shiver.

Gettings began by saying "thank you to all the soldiers, sailors and Marines who are here today and to those who are not here but are serving our nation around the world. Thank you for preserving our liberty this year. And for all of you who have ever proudly worn our nation's uniform, I say thank you. Thank you for the dozens of freedoms that we ordinary citizens have enjoyed every single day of our lives in America. We are grateful to you."

Of those who serve, Gettings again quoted Shiver, "You are the reason America remains the beacon of hope to the entire world. You seek neither glory or riches, nor even fame. You are our best, our brightest, our bravest. Please always know that even when we don't show it, we love you. We appreciate you. We thank you . And we will never forget you. "

Following an honor guard salute, bricks were placed in the garden by family members and friends.

Receiving bricks were Arthur D. Krauss, Donald J. Krauss, Richard D. Krauss, Mae A. Krauss, Carolyn E. Hutter, Leonard J. Fenstermacher, Paul E. DeVries, Richard W. Schmeltzle, Cyril M. Kocis, Ralph Gioielli, Allen Trumbauer, James Wagner, Norman P. George, Joseph R. Kovish, Frank A. Weber III, Thomas A. Johnston and George Perich.

Also honored was longtime East Penn Press photographer Richard F. Gaal for his work for The Press and the community. The placement of his stone is in front of the flagpole which is fitting as Gaal twice received the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge award for his photographs in 1969 and 1972. Gaal served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946 and was a press photographer for 36 years.

Waddell was also honored for his 13 years of leadership with ECGF; a tree will be planted in the garden in honor of his service.

Waddell thanked everyone for attending and encouraged all to visit the Remembrance Garden. "Please come and enjoy it," Waddell said.