Marine Corps veteran Joel Sofranko looks back on his service in Vietnam with both pride and sadness.
Sofranko said often his comrades guarded against forming close friendships, always aware that the other might lose his life during the conflict. They were, however, willing to die for each other.
Community members bow their head as the Memorial Day ceremony at the memorial outside of Veterans Memorial Stadium in Scranton closes with a benediction on Monday, May 25, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti addresses the crowd gathered for the Memorial Day ceremony at the memorial outside of Veterans Memorial Stadium in Scranton on Monday, May 25, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Lackawanna County Commissioner Thom Welby sings along to the National Anthem during the Memorial Day ceremony at the memorial outside of Veterans Memorial Stadium in Scranton on Monday, May 25, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti addresses the crowd gathered for the Memorial Day ceremony at the memorial outside of Veterans Memorial Stadium in Scranton on Monday, May 25, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
VFW Post 25 Quartermaster Justin Ambrozia gives the memorial address during the Memorial Day ceremony at the memorial outside of Veterans Memorial Stadium in Scranton on Monday, May 25, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Wally the service dog poses for a photo after the Memorial Day ceremony at the memorial outside of Veterans Memorial Stadium in Scranton on Monday, May 25, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Show Caption
1 of 6
Community members bow their head as the Memorial Day ceremony at the memorial outside of Veterans Memorial Stadium in Scranton closes with a benediction on Monday, May 25, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Monday’s Memorial Day ceremony provided him and others the chance to honor those who lost their lives while serving in the Armed Forces, either killed in action or who died during wartime.
Sometimes, a death hit close to home, Sofranko said.
He left his position in Vietnam in 1969. Just a month later the man who replaced him in that position was killed.
Pat Ahern, chairman of Scranton Veterans Memorial Park, said the ceremony served both to honor those who died during military service and to educate upcoming generations about the importance of that remembrance.
Since 2021, the ceremony has been held at the Scranton Veterans’ Memorial near Scranton High School.
Ahern said its the perfect opportunity for VFW Post 25 to partner with the district, to both educate and inspire students about the military.
He points out, for example, many confuse Veterans’ Day with Memorial Day. Veterans Day is to a day to thank veterans for their service. Memorial Day is a day to reflect on those whose lives were cut short during their wartime service.
Inscribed on a wall behind Monday’s speakers, were the names of members of the military from the Scranton area killed in action or during wartime.
Sam Kuchwara, a Marine veteran, remembers sitting with his late brother, James, at the site of the park, with only a vision of how it would take shape.
“It was still just dirt,” he said.
Now, the park, located at Mike Munchak Way and Providence Road, provides an opportunity to remember the service of military veterans throughout the year.
Each year, one veteran is selected to represent those who lost their lives in military service.
This year several speakers referenced David Thomas Rozelle, who lost his life as a member of the Marine Corps Jan. 21, 1968, in South Vietnam.
His death was attributed to an explosive device during hostile action of the enemy. He received a purple heart and other awards for his service.
Bringing honor to the next generation
Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti, who attended the event with her two daughters in tow, emphasized the importance of bringing understanding and respect to those who have served in the military to the next generation.
“I look forward to this all year long,” Cognetti said.
Cognetti, who has been to several funerals of veterans, said she always takes a deep breath before “Taps” is played.
Brian Machowski and his therapy dog, Wally, attended the event, as a show of honor and respect.
The two visit regularly the Gino Merli Veterans Center to bring smiles to the faces of veterans.
Machowski was happy to see youngsters attending the event with their families.
“Its important to learn honor and respect at a young age,” he said.
Chaplain Tom Baux closed the service with a prayer remembering his comrades who departed from this life, their service and their treasured friendship.