The second annual Crestwood Comets Salute to Service football game was held Sept. 9 when the Comets hosted the Wyoming Area Warriors.
U.S. Army veteran Raymond Samolis of Mountain Top who served in World War II from 1944 to 1946 was the special guest. The 96-year-old 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.
American Legion Post 781, Mountain Top, presented the colors, followed by retirement of the flag at the stadium by VFW Post 7918, Slocum Twp. Taps were played by Crestwood band director Jay Thomas.
The retired flag was presented to Samolis by American Legion Post 288, Dorrance Twp., commander John Hollock.
Teams entered the field at 6:50 p.m. to a fireworks display, followed by raising of the flag at the stadium by local veterans and the Pledge of Allegiance. The national anthem was sung by state Rep. Eddie Pashinski and his granddaughter, Mia Costello, an 11th grade student at Crestwood High School.
During the game, the Comets players wore uniform jerseys provided by the Pennsylvania National Guard.
