Annual memorial service honors Pennsylvania’s National Guard

BOALSBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) — Each year, hundreds of service members, veterans, Gold Star Families and citizens gather to honor members of the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 28th Infantry Division , as well as service members across the Commonwealth, who have given their lives to protect the country.

On Sunday, that ceremony took place at the 28th Division Shrine in Boalsburg, Centre County.

“We show up every year, rain or shine, almost never canceled. But for Cataclysm, we’ve been doing this since 1919, and every year we build on the shrine and monument, unfortunately, because we usually add to the shrine,” Major General Mike Wegscheider, Commander of the 28th Infantry Division, said.

It’s a day set aside to honor the fallen, about one week before Memorial Day, and it’s also a day to say thank you to those who are serving.

“We want all the families, children, connected to the military or not to get to see some of the equipment, talk to soldiers. Most importantly, if they’ve never had the chance to talk to a soldier, interact with members of the Gold Star families. And most importantly, the next generation, we would love them to be part of our team,” Wegscheider said.

The shrine in Boalsburg is considered sacred to the Pennsylvania National Guard and Gold Star families. They come to honor their loved ones.

“My – my dad served in the 28. And my brother. And we had never been here till we lost my brother, but. Yeah, it’s very, very important. It’s something we don’t miss,” Gold Star sister Amie Gullifer said. She is a surviving family member of SSG Kenneth VanGiesen.

Soldiers from the entire 28th Infantry Division placed wreaths at the memorial walls to honor those who served and lost their lives.

“We know every year that they’re remembering all of — everyone. And, and I think that’s important.

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The 28th Division Memorial Shrine is always open for anyone who wants to pay tribute to those who lost their lives serving the country.

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