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Route 739 is renamed Pike County Veterans Way

| 15 May 2013 | 08:03
    Military color guard, made up of veterans, at rededication of Route 739.
    Military color guard, made up of veterans, at rededication of Route 739.
    John Kupillas hails fellow veterans from the podium (Photo by Jerry Goldberg)
    John Kupillas hails fellow veterans from the podium (Photo by Jerry Goldberg)
    State Rep. Rosemary Brown, who helped local veteran John Kupillas realize his idea.
    State Rep. Rosemary Brown, who helped local veteran John Kupillas realize his idea.
    Harry Forbes of Gov. Corbetts' office. (Photo by Jerry Goldberg)
    Harry Forbes of Gov. Corbetts' office. (Photo by Jerry Goldberg)
    Rep. Mike Peifer gives a brief talk. (Photo by Jerry Goldberg)
    Rep. Mike Peifer gives a brief talk. (Photo by Jerry Goldberg)

By Jerry Goldberg
DINGMAN — A name replaced a number on an important local thoroughfare May 9, when state Route 739 became Pike County Veterans Way.

"Pike County is veterans' country!" roared John Kupillas of Dingman Township, whose idea it was to rename the road. "God bless the USA!"

At these words, the more than 100 people in attendance applauded, whistled, and waved their flags.

“Our veterans put the freedom of America before their own lives," he said, "and some had to give that up,"

Carl and Susan Arnold of Arnold’s Deli, where the newly renamed road meets state Route 2001, allowed use of their parking lot for the rededication. A large tent was put up, a Veterans Affairs bus drove in. Well-wishers noshed on bagels and coffee.

Kupillas served in the U.S. Army Heavy Artillery Division from 1965 to 1967, during the Vietnam era. “I was trying to think of a way to honor our veterans and this seemed like a good idea," he told the Courier. "So I approached Representative Rosemary Brown. She liked the idea and followed through and proposed legislation to get it done."

Brown took to the podium to hail the brave veterans who fought for our country, and the many who gave their lives so that Americans may live free.

“Now everyone that drives on 739 will have a chance to remember our veterans," she said.

Harry Forbes, a former Pike County Commissioner who now works in Governor Tom Corbetts’ office said, “It is an honor to be here. The name change is a tribute to our veterans in Pike County and to remember the veterans serving the public everyday.”

Also in attendance were state Senator Lisa Baker, Rep. Mike Peifer, Sheriff Phill Beuki, Pike County Commissioner Rich Caridi, Father Paul Mullen of St. Vincent’s Church, a veterans' military color guard, other dignitaries, — and just plain folks.

Father Mullen blessed the road, and said, “50 years ago this was just a path, and now 739 links us all together. May we never forget.”

A military gun salute followed the speeches. A veteran played Taps on the bugle. Another veteran in a regular Army uniform ended the celebration with a rendition of "Amazing Grace" on bagpipes.

Everyone hung around for awhile afterward to talk, with many old war stories passed back and forth. There was much rejoicing in the success of this small tribute to the big sacrifices of the nation's veterans.

State Route 739 begins at the Dingmans Ferry Bridge and continues west until it ends at state Route 6.