Bethlehem Township held its Veterans Day Ceremony at the Community Center Nov. 12, moved indoors due to cool temperatures. The event was attended by local dignitaries such as Pa. State representatives Marcia Hahn and Steve Samuelson, Bethlehem Township Commissioner John Merhottein and many local citizens, including several veterans.

The highlight of the event was a speech by keynote speaker and lifetime resident of Bethlehem Township, Sgt. Paul M. Senick. Senick is a Vietnam vet who served in the U.S. Army’s 198th Light Infantry Brigade, 1st Battalion, A Company, 1st Platoon, 3rd Squad.

Senick was shipped to Vietnam in February 1968 during the Tet offensive. Senick talked about his training leading up to Vietnam, his time during combat in Vietnam and his return home after Vietnam.

Senick’s speech was often emotional as he described his experiences during combat. When describing the men he fought beside, Senick said “I was with a really, really good group of guys.”

Sgt. Senick received two Bronze Stars with “V” device for valor above and beyond the call of duty in combat. He has also been honored with Vietnam Service, National Defense, and Army Service medals.