IN McKeesport Winter 2018 | Page 32

McKeesport Honors All Veterans, Pins Vietnam Era Vets T he City of McKeesport carried on this summer’s recognition of Vietnam veterans by hosting a second pinning ceremony to honor military service members who were on active duty between November 1, 1955, and May 15, 1975, regardless of where they served. These veterans are eligible to receive a Vietnam Veteran lapel pin during a formal ceremony. In McKeesport, during an August 2018 display of The Wall That Heals, veterans were presented with commemorative lapel pins as a lasting memento of the nation’s thanks. On November 11, McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko, in partnership with U.S. Congressman Mike Doyle, Pennsylvania Senator James R. Brewster, and Pennsylvania Representative Austin Davis, presented commemorative pins to an additional 25 local Vietnam Era veterans. The following day, the federally observed Veterans Day holiday, the City of McKeesport hosted its annual ceremony in Memorial Park along Lysle Boulevard to thank all veterans for their service. Volunteers Work to Secure Penn McKee T he City of McKeesport partnered with the University of Pittsburgh to secure and partially clean the former Penn McKee Hotel and surrounding area along Fifth Avenue as part of the annual Pitt Make A Difference Day. On October 20, student volunteers joined City staff and community volunteers to clear debris from the Penn McKee building, pick up trash, pull weeds, and board windows. Performing environmental and feasibility studies on the Penn McKee, the City of McKeesport is working closely with the Young Preservationists of Pittsburgh, which named the project its No. 1 preservation opportunity of 2018. Kids Parade Costumes at Main Pavilion M cKeesport Area children gathered at the Jacob Woll (Main) Pavilion on October 27 for a Halloween- themed parade and party that included crafts, story time, music, lunch, and medals for the best costumes. Each year, this event is sponsored by Mayor Michael Cherepko, the McKeesport Recreation Board, and the Carnegie Library of McKeesport. 30 MCKEESPORT AREA