The second annual Crestwood Comets Salute to Service football game will be held Friday, Sept. 9, when the Comets host the Wyoming Area Warriors.
Special guest will be U.S. Army veteran Raymond Samolis of Mountain Top who served in World War II from 1944 to 1946. Samolis served in the Pacific Theatre during the war. He sailed the South Pacific to Saipan on a 28-day tour along the South American coastline to avoid Japanese submarines. His journey took him through Pearl Harbor where he witnessed the damage caused by the Japanese attack. He later flew to Iwo Jima serving there in support of Pacific military operations in preparation for the final attack on mainland Japan.
The festivities will kick off at 5 p.m. with the arrival of a Blackhawk helicopter with a static display. At 6:35 p.m., American Legion Post 781, Mountain Top, will present the colors. This will be followed by retirement of the flag at the stadium by VFW Post 7918, Slocum Township. Taps will be played by Crestwood band director Jay Thomas.
The retired flag will be presented to Samolis by American Legion Post 288, Dorrance Township, commander John Hollock.
Teams will enter the field at 6:50 p.m. to a fireworks display. This will be followed by raising of the flag at the stadium by local veterans and the Pledge of Allegiance. The national anthem will be sung by State Rep. Eddie Pashinski and his granddaughter, Mia Costello, an 11th grade student at Crestwood High School. The helicopter will depart at 7 p.m. followed by kickoff. During the game, Crestwood players will wear uniform jerseys provided by the Pennsylvania National Guard.
