York County honors veterans with ‘Court of Valor’ bell during annual celebration
YORK, Pa. (WHTM) -- York County held its annual Veterans Celebration and Breakfast on Saturday morning, revealing a big surprise for the attendees.
More than 800 veterans and their families were honored with the unveiling of a special commemorative "Court of Valor" bell at the event, hosted by York County Veterans Affairs at the York Expo Center.
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The bell was the sixth of seven fiberglass replica Liberty Bells painted by commissioned artists and permanently installed around York County this year as part of its America250 celebrations , in partnership with the Cultural Alliance of York.
The Court of Valor bell was designed by York County artist Paul Godfrey. It will be installed at Prospect Hill Cemetery alongside its namesake, the Court of Valor, a monument that honors fallen veterans, with a piece of steel from the World Trade Center incorporated into its design.
"My bell is to pay respect to all of the military and first responders that helped build this country through courage, duty, service, valor, fidelity and loyalty," Godfrey said in a press release. "Every part of this collage is a remembrance of events in history, both local and global, and the many people's sacrifices to get this country to where it is."
"This is our sixth fiberglass bell and the only one specifically dedicated to the men and women in our armed forces, our veterans and our first responders," York County President Commissioner Julie Wheeler said. "It is appropriate that we have one bell to honor those who have served and are currently serving our nation and our community. Because, after all, it's our service members and our first responders who keep us safe – both at home and abroad."
The annual breakfast celebration recognizes veterans, military service members and first responders. This year's guest of honor was 100-year-old World War II Navy veteran John F. Wolfe of West York. U.S. Air Force Colonel Andrew J. Bogusky, an instructor at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, was featured as a keynote speaker, while former York County Veterans Affairs director C. Terry Gendron was presented with the George H. Eyler Meritorious Service Award.
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