Veterans Day 2022: A CELEBRATION TO REMEMBER

Despite the barrage of rain, the Bar Association and community came together on November 11, 2022, for a widely attended and patriotic celebration of Veterans Day 2022. The event was originally planned to take place outside the historic courthouse with a military flyover, but since the weather forecast called for significant rain, the celebration was moved indoors to the Chester County History Center. Fortunately, the rain did not dampen the success of the event.

With well over 100 people in attendance, including many veterans and dignitaries, the sounds of patriotic music performed by an ensemble of the West Chester University Marching Band permeated the patriotically decorated auditorium. Military color guards, Revolutionary War Reenactors and uniformed service members all participated in the ceremony. West Chester University President Christopher Fiorentino, who attended the celebration with his wife Susan, praised the event and was deeply inspired by the service and sacrifices our veterans have given to our country. Some 20 veteran bar association members in attendance were given military baseball hats reflecting their service to the Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force, and their names were announced with applause during the ceremony.

The Guest of Honor was Ron Castille, Chief Justice Emeritus of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. His remarks were inspiring as he recounted his experiences as a Marine in Vietnam, where he sustained enemy fire leading to the amputation of his leg. His riveting recants of his life experiences, where he overcame adversities to later become the Philadelphia District Attorney and Chief Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, touched the hearts of all, including the University band students who were clearly awed by his remarks.

Magisterial District Judge Gregory Hines eloquently sang songs including God Bless America, which was so moving that everyone joined in the singing. The event concluded with Revolutionary War Reenactors performing a solemn tribute to our fallen veterans, which was followed by a musket salute. While the Reenactors went through the routine of loading their muskets with black powder and balls in front of the crowd, when it came time to “Ready, aim, fire,” instead of pulling their triggers (since we were indoors), a West Chester University band member with perfect timing hit his snare drum to make the loud bang of the muskets, even causing some people to be startled – thinking the sound was real! Thereafter, everyone adjourned to the rear of the auditorium to enjoy great food donated by Limoncello Ristorante, which was accompanied by spirits and warm company.

I would be remiss if I did not humbly recognize the many Bar Association law firms who so generously sponsored the Veterans Day Celebration. While typically our Bar Association events are sponsored by outside businesses, the sponsors for this event were truly special because almost all of the sponsors were law firms of our great Bar Association.

Without their generosity, the 2022 Veterans Day Celebration would not have been one of the best Veterans Day celebrations in the history of our Bar Association. Here they are:

Red Sponsors ($500): Buckley Brion McGuire & Morris LLP

Robert Frame, Esq. (Coldwell Banker Realty)

Fox Rothschild LLP

Gawthrop Greenwood, PC

Goldberg, Goldberg & Maloney

Lamb McErlane PC

Law Offices of Jamie W. Goncharoff

MacElree Harvey, LTD

Swope Lees Commercial Real Estate, LLC

Steven L. Sugarman & Associates

Unruh Turner Burke & Frees PC

White Sponsor ($300): Skinner Law Firm, LLC

Blue Sponsors ($100): Chris Pielli (Chester County Recorder of Deeds)

Laverty, Abele & Russell, LLC

Law Offices of David M. Melchiorre, LLC

Rover Law Group LLC

Srinivasan Law

With Great Thanks!