John Michniak, a local veteran of 21 years and a Bobtown native, is working to erect a memorial in honor of three Vietnam War veterans who all died at roughly 20 years of age. John says this memorial is to ensure these veterans will live on forever.
John remembered the days where all homes along his street touted American flags, but he says now he only sees about one or two.
“A lot of the local people, I felt, we’re forgetting about them,” John says. “I’ve always felt that all veterans should be remembered for what they did.”
The memorial will honor Daniel Allum who was killed in action on Oct. 27, 1965, Joseph Antonelli who was killed in action on Jan. 14, 1970, and Keith Held who was killed in action on June 1, 1970.
John remembered growing up attending ceremonies for World War II veterans and for Memorial Day and says he started planning these various ceremonies about four years ago.
His biggest inspiration came from his friendship with a Korean War veteran who modeled remembrance for him named Tibor Namet who has since passed.
“Every year for Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day, even D-Day he would salute the honorable and go through the list of names. He was dedicated to do that,” John says. “He’s had a lot of impact in my life; I couldn’t let him stand alone.”
John said the foundation for the monument is complete and the rest of the monument will be ready for the ceremony on Sunday, November 7 at 1pm at the Bobtown Honor Roll in Bobtown Pennsylvania.
The money for the monument was raised in just three short weeks from the community. John says he even had to turn down donations as they exceeded what was necessary for the project.
“The community was very graceful. I had strip tickets that I sold, and they raised a $1,000 and the community here basically donated the rest,” he explains. “The community here was very great.”
John says he is expecting about 400 people to attend the event. According to John’s Facebook event, Boy Scout troops 1280 and 9280 will assist with the flag ceremony and lead the pledge of allegiance. Layna Fisher will be singing the national anthem. Guest speakers and performers include retired Major Pete Keruskin, Arnold Friend who will read his own poetry, and retired Lieutenant Colonel Todd Moore who will dedicate the new memorial.
The Greene County Veterans Honor Guard will do the complete military honor, and taps will be played by Robert and Chris Menear. John will also be honoring Greene County’s oldest living World War II vet, Orlando Pete. Afterwards, there will be a free dinner sponsored by the Shannopin Civics Club following the ceremony.
“I think it is really important that we recognize and patronize all veterans,” he says. “I did it for these people. I’m the kind of person who doesn’t really want the recognition, you know, I recognize everybody else, and I do it mainly for them.”