Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor,
This letter is in reference to the Spirit article on Feb. 15 regarding Memorial Day events. In that article, VFW District Commander Dave Seymore spoke of the VFW’s willingness to help the American Legion with the parade in Punxsy.
Last year, the parade and program in Barclay Square were organized by the VFW, who started the parade at 9 a.m. so that Punxsy activities would be completed in time for VFW members to join the Memorial Day program in Big Run at 11 a.m.
Commander Seymore spoke under the assumption that last year’s schedule would be followed. He needed to leave the council meeting before council approved the American Legion taking over the parade with a new time schedule.
Due to the VFW’s commitment to take part in the Big Run Memorial Day program as it has done in the past, the VFW will not be able to be part of this year’s parade and program in Punxsy. The VFW extends best wishes for successful Memorial Day events in Punxsy.
— James A. Pallone, VFW Post 2076 Commander
Dear Editor,
Thank you, Punxsutawney!
2023 has been my eighth visit (including the “virtual year,” 2021) to Punxsutawney for Groundhog Day celebrations, and 2023 has been the most fun ever.
It’s the people of Punxsutawney that make it so!
The community’s hard work and hospitality, the accessibility of the Inner Circle to kerjillions requesting photos, the amazing show at Gobbler’s Knob, friendly diligence of law enforcement, patriotism and respect for God...
For me, it all pays off in ways making it well worth returning to each year.
Trading stories with other Phanatics as well as the good folk of Punxsutawney — it’s so entertaining, informative, surprising, encouraging. It really is quite upliftingand nice as stories and lives are shared.
There’s a certain special something that I take away with me when it comes time to leave town.
And I am thankful. Arriving in Punxsutawney and when leaving, I thank God for protection on the long drive to and fro, thankful for another opportunity to be at the event again.
There is a line from the “Groundhog Day” movie which really resonates with me, as I too feel that sentiment of “standing here among the people of Punxsutawney and basking in the warmth of their hearths and hearts, I couldn’t imagine a better fate.”
The joy of this madcap celebration, as well as sharing life with other Phanatics and the people of Punxsutawney: that’s what draws me back every year.
And I hope that it always will.
— Neal Geist, High Point, North Carolina
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