Members of the American Legion Riders (ALR) Stewartstown Post 455 held a ceremony on May 23 at St. John Lutheran Church in Stewartstown to honor Cpl. Alvin T. Rehmeyer and other veterans buried at the St. John Cemetery. ALR members placed flags on Rehmeyer's grave and on the graves of other military members interred at St. John. ALR treasurer Bobby O'Farrell explained the history of Rehmeyer's military service from Red Lion to Camp Meade in Fort Meade, Md., followed by Rehmeyer's service in France. On Sept. 26, 1918, Rehmeyer was declared missing in action following an attack during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, at the time the largest offensive in American military history. His fate was unknown until March 20, 1919, when his gravesite was located near the town of Montfaucon, France. Rehmeyer's remains were then returned to Stewartstown, where his funeral was held in 1919 at St. John Cemetery, hosted by the Stewart American Legion, now called the Stewartstown post.
Members of American Legion Post 455, Post 455 Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion, Stewartstown Young Vets U12 Baseball Team, and community members also placed American flags on the graves of all veterans interred at Stewartstown Cemetery. The effort was led by former Post commander Al Stone, along with volunteers and family members from the post and community. The ceremony began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by memorial readings and prayers led by ALR chaplain Curtis Steeg. The placement of flags is part of the annual effort to remember individuals who have served in the U.S. military. The flags will remain in place at the cemetery through July to honor veterans for their service and sacrifices.
Cindy Ward was the winner of the American Legion Stewartstown Post 455 drawing held on May 25. Post 455 sponsored the drawing to raise funds for new equipment and other improvements to the Post. Tickets were sold over the last several months by Post 455 Legion members and Sons of the Legion, Auxiliary Members and ALR members.
For information on joining Post 455, readers may contact Post adjutant Robin Fisher at 717-993-2682.
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