BUTLER TWP — Five fresh, young faces pictured in black-and-white and a row of families whose grief lingers more than 50 years later were honored on Friday morning under sunny skies and a huge American flag.

American Legion Post 778 in Lyndora pulled out all the stops in their ceremony to rededicate a group of memorial stones recognizing the ultimate sacrifice paid by five local boys in Vietnam.

The stones were initially installed at the Highfield baseball fields in 2014, but the Legion post rescued the stones when development of a housing plan began at the site.

Thanks to the cooperation of many, the stones were expertly reinstalled among the flags at the Legion post.

On Friday morning, dignitaries, men of the cloth, an honor guard, flag line and World War II and Korean War veterans turned out to participate in a ceremony to rededicate the stones in their new location.

Chairs in the front row were reserved for the families who fondly remember the five young men lost in the jungles of Southeast Asia so many years ago.

“I’m really glad they remember the boys who were killed,” said Cheryl Stull of Clearfield Township, who is the sister of Richard “Dennis” Coyle, KIA March 6, 1969. “I’m glad Denny’s not forgotten.”

She said her brother was very friendly and outgoing as the siblings grew up in Lyndora.

“He knew everyone in the neighborhood,” she said. “Young, old and in between, he would stop and talk to everyone.”

Alaina Cunningham, an eighth-grader at Slippery Rock Area Middle School, and her brother, Isaac, a high school sophomore, attended the original ceremony as preschoolers when the stones were installed in 2014 at the ballfield.

William Lesnik, KIA Oct. 24, 1967, was their great uncle.

“I came to support him because he gave his life for our country,” Alaina said. “If he were here, I’d say ‘thank you.’”

Isaac is just a year or two younger than his great uncle was when he was drafted to serve in Vietnam.

“I’m glad my parents and grandparents bring me to stuff like this so I can learn to honor the veterans,” Isaac said. “I would just thank William for his service if he were here.”

After the posting of the colors by the Bantam Marines and the hoisting of an enormous flag on the boom of Butler Township Volunteer Fire District’s ladder truck, Chloe Fitch sang the "Star-Spangled Banner,“ the Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all, and an invocation was given by the Rev. Douglas Lorence of St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church.

“We pray for the families who grieve, that you may give them peace,” Lorence said.

He then addressed the five fallen young men.

“Well done, good and faithful servants,” Lorence said.

Bill McNutt, Legion post commander, then recognized World War II veterans Jim Davis, 102, of Center Township, and Archie Carosi, 97, of Butler Township, and Korean War veterans Glenn Greenawalt of Connoquenessing Township and Clarence Hasenflu of St. Petersburg, Clarion County.

Sgt. Dave Smith read the names of each of the five fallen heroes, a member of the Bantam Marine Corps League detachment 743 sounded a brass bell, and a white rose was given to each family before they were escorted to the stone naming their loved one to gently place the flower there.

“This is hitting close to home,” said Smith, who is a Vietnam veteran. “I promise you these servicemen will never be forgotten.”

After the roses were placed before their names, Smith had a special message for his five peers being honored.

“To these soldiers and Marines, I ask you, please stand down. We have your watch,” Smith said as many family members dabbed at their eyes.

U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-16th, knew three of the five men on the stones, and recalled the last times he saw Paul Stasko, KIA Feb. 21, 1968, Denny Coyle and Gary Reed, KIA March 20, 1968.

“It’s been many years since their passing, but in my mind, I’m always one thought away from that time period when we grew up,” Kelly said.

Kelly also pointed out that Friday would have been the 80th birthday of Thomas Czzowitz, U.S. Marines, KIA Sept. 9, 1965.

“Happy birthday, Corporal,” Kelly said, his voice cracking. “Happy birthday and thank you so much for your sacrifice.”

State Rep. Marci Mustello, R-11th, read a proclamation for Lesnick from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

“This brave soldier was killed in action on Oct. 24, 1967. He was awarded the purple heart by a grateful nation,” Mustello read, referencing William Lesnik. “Time does not diminish the solemn appreciation Americans have for their fellow citizens who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation and its values.”

State Sen. Scott Hutchinson, R-21st, said he felt humbled to attend the ceremony to honor the five men on Friday.

“My heart goes out to each and every one of the families,” Hutchinson said.

He thanked all who served in the military or as first responders, and shared his favorite quote from President Calvin Coolidge.

“The nation which forgets its defenders will itself soon be forgotten,” Hutchinson said.

He read a proclamation from the Pennsylvania Senate honoring Paul Stasko Jr., U.S. Marine Corps, before presenting it to his family with blessings and thanks.

Leslie Osche, chairwoman of the Butler County Commissioners, told those in attendance that 21-year-old Gary Reed was the father of a baby daughter when he shipped out to Vietnam.

She read a post from the online Gold Star Heroes Gallery from a veteran who served with Reed.

The poster spoke of Reed’s pride in his daughter and the special smile that would appear on his face each time he talked about being a dad.

Osche presented a proclamation from the board of county commissioners to Reed’s family honoring the young father for his service.

Dave Zarnick, president of the Butler Township Board of Commissioners, praised those who contributed to Friday’s ceremony as well as the five boys being honored.

“Butler Township is proud to honor all these young men, who gave all,” Zarnick said.

He read a proclamation from the township commissioners honoring Richard “Dennis” Coyle and recognizing the late Marine’s family.

Zarnick presented the proclamation to Stull with his condolences.

After a 21-gun rifle volley by the Bantam Marine Corps and a moving rendition of taps, all in attendance were invited inside the Legion hall for coffee and donuts.

Chief John Hays of the Butler Township Police Department said he and other officers attended to show their respect and support for the fallen soldiers and Marines.

Hays ably summed up the thoughts of all who attended the rededication ceremony on Friday morning.

“It’s nice that the stones were rededicated,” Hays said. “It makes people remember the boys again.”