Tom Petrucci, township manager, welcomed attendees and reflected on the nation’s approaching 250th anniversary on June 18, describing America as an ongoing effort to fulfill its founding ideals of liberty, equality, and justice.

He noted the significance of Juneteenth calling it both a celebration of freedom and a reminder that expanding opportunity and securing civil rights has required courage, sacrifice, and continued commitment throughout the nation’s history.

Petrucci said those values remain visible in South Whitehall Township through the service of veterans, first responders, public servants, business owners, and residents who work together for the good of the community.

He also highlighted the township’s newly redesigned seal, which honors local landmarks, landscapes, and heritage while reflecting confidence in the township’s future.

Looking ahead to America’s semi quincentennial, Petrucci encouraged residents to celebrate the nation’s history while reflecting on the responsibilities of citizenship and service.

He said the ceremony honored those who built and defended the nation and recognized the sacrifices that secured the freedoms Americans enjoy today.

Commissioner Sharon Fehringer-Ricker paid tribute to generations of Americans who have defended the nation’s freedoms, beginning with the Revolutionary War soldiers who fought for independence 250 years ago.

Quoting John Adams, she reminded attendees that the liberties Americans enjoy today came at a tremendous cost and should never be taken for granted.

Fehringer-Ricker recognized active-duty military personnel, veterans, and first responders, describing them as heroes whose courage, service, and sacrifice continue the legacy established by the nation’s earliest patriots. She noted that today’s service members and emergency responders carry forward the responsibility of protecting the freedoms secured by previous generations.

She also honored 23 Revolutionary War veterans buried in South Whitehall Township.

Their names were read aloud during the ceremony, including Reverend Abraham Blumer, Adam Guth, Lorentz Guth, Peter Troxell Sr., Peter Troxell Jr., Daniel Troxell, George Deily, Peter Gross, Henry Haas, Jacob Haff Sr., Peter Haff, Jacob Hamman, George Hoffman, Jacob Henninger, Jacob Kuntz, Johannes Klotz, John Philip Kuntz, Johannes Lichtenwalter, John Mosser, Jacob Schantz, Michael Sieger, Samuel Sieger, and Leonard Steininger.

The veterans are interred at the cemeteries of Jordan Lutheran Church and Jordan United Church of Christ.

Following a moment of silence, Fehringer-Ricker concluded with the poem “We Remember Them,” emphasizing the importance of preserving the memory and stories of those whose sacrifices helped secure American independence.

Rev. Blumer’s role in the Revolutionary War was detailed emphasizing his sermons and contributions.

The ceremony concluded with a tribute to local heroes, and a call to continue the principles of equality, liberty, and self-governance.