The dedication of an Elizabethville flag pole by the American Legion in 1926, was shortened because the members had to conduct rites for a Civil War veteran, Henry Rissinger (1845-1926), who was being buried at Fetterhoff’s Cemetery in the Armstrong Valley. This article from the Elizabethville Echo, November 18, 1926, told the story:
LEGION DEDICATES FLAG POLE
Last Saturday Sfternoon, with a breath of Indian Summer in the air, a large turnout of Legion members and the 104th Cavalry Band, together with a number of citizens moved to the park, where on the crest of the hill, alongside the P. O. S. of A. Pavilion, they dedicated the steel flag pole which was presented by Major Luttringer, Harrisburg, of the Pennsylvania State National Guard, through John Lloyd Post of the American Legion to the Borough Park.
The program was very short and a surprise was in store, when fulfilling his promise of bringing a friend as speaker, the Major presented the man well known throughout Dauphin County and State, Hon. Edward E. Beidleman, who pointed out the significance of having an active Legion Post in the town to foster the patriotic observances of this kind. In presenting a beautiful American Flag, his gift to be flown from the pole, Mr. Beidleman declared that in his travels throughout the state, he believed he “has not seen a more perfect location for a flag pole, alongside one of the main highway arteries, throughout the State,” and commended those who chose the site for its erection.
The speakers were forced to be brief, as was the entire program, because of the Post being called upon to conduct military rites at the funeral services for Henry Rissinger aged Civil War veteran at Fetterhoff’s Church in Armstrong Valley the same afternoon. Sergeant Hoke had charge of the squad of men. Foundation for the flag pole was erected by Amos Fry, local contractor.
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News article Newspapers.com
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