MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Area Joint Veterans Committee held its 448th Changing of the Colors flag ceremony Nov. 24 at the flag pole of the Susquehanna Bank in honor and memory of Charles Kent, a World War II veteran.
Kent was born in Centralia March 20, 1926, a son of Nicholas and Mary (Petorak) Kryniskie. He attended Conyngham-Centralia High School.
He served as a cook in the U.S. Army with Company B, 4th Tank Battalion.
Kent was married for 31 years to the former Merle Graeger, who survives.
He was employed by Bazley Contracting Company, Pottsville, and was the owner of Lady Hope Dress factory, Mount Carmel, until his retirement.
Kent was a member of SS Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2110 and a social member of Clover Hose Company, all of Mount Carmel, and American Legion Post 804, Atlas.
Kent died Oct. 9, 2013, and is buried at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a stepdaughter, three stepsons, a sister, five brothers, eight stepgrandchildren and two great-stepgrandchildren.
The flag that was flown for the past month was in honor and memory of Michael Molesevich, who served in the U.S. Army during World War II. "Taps" was sounded on the bugle by Ann Ray Begis as the flaw was lowered by Anthony Candelora. The flag was folded by WIlliam Begis, James Kealy and Candelora.
The Kent flag was escorted to the ceremony was Connie Andrews and was presented to Walter Summers by Kent's sister, Helen Whyne. The flag was raised by Candelora as the national anthem was played. David Berezovske read the military records of both veterans. Summers led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance, and the ceremony ended with a silent salute to all veterans. Summers thanked the families and those in attendance for their participation.
Charles Noskoviak escorted the American flag, and the rifle escort was provided by Norman Nye and Candelora. Kealy provided traffic control.
Susquehanna Bankw as thanked for displaying Kent's name on its message board.
The next flag ceremony will be held at 1 p.n. Sunday, Dec. 15, at Second and Oak streets, when the flag will be raised in honor and memory of Leonard Sahonick, who served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Area veterans and the public are invited.