Friends and family of Christian Mittermeier gathered at his memorial dedication site along the Ironton Rail Trail (IRT) not far from where the young man was pulled from the Lehigh River in July. Christian’s parents selected the dedication date of Nov. 1, All Saints Day, according to the Catholic calendar. Christian’s sister, Hanna, unveiled the plaque dedicating a park bench and Red Maple tree in his memory.

Coplay Mayor Joseph Bundra said the Mittermeiers approached the IRT committee with their request to dedicate the memorial. According to Mary Mittermeier, Christian visited the trail daily. It was one of his favorite places at which to walk.

Boy Scout Troop 1600, chartered by Jordan United Church of Christ in Allentown, took the task of preparing the site, placing pavers and planting a tree at the site.

“It’s part of our mission to take on tasks that benefit the community,” said Assistant Scoutmaster Kevin Campbell. “We had over 500 hours of community service last year and have almost 900 hours this year.”

Troop 1600 has five Eagle Scouts in its ranks. Campbell was ably assisted by Assistant Scoutmasters Gary Schlegel, Vince Miller and Dan Weinlader. Scouts involved in the project were Jaymes Campbell, Nolan Weinlader, Sean Sprossel and Stijn Cos.

During the dedication, Mary Mittermeier shared a Facebook post about Christian: “You tell people it’s the smaller (things) that count like making people smile…you could walk into a room full of hate and walk out with everyone smiling…you inspired me to take the high road…you loved helping others, and you cared enough to put your differences aside.”

Mary and Greg Mittermeier thanked those who came out for the dedication, and Mary said she is grateful for the support she received from the community.

“This is his resting place…He will be here waiting to talk with you if you linger…Our lives were graced by Christian,” she said.