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Community Corner

Flagpole and Flags Dedicated July 2nd

Honoring Matt Bellina and His Battle With ALS

Here are some photos taken at the flagpole and flag dedication held July 2nd for retired Navy Lt. Commander Matt Bellina at his home in Holland, Northampton Township, PA. The event began with a Color Guard and flag raising detail provided by the Marine Corps League Patriot Detachment and was followed by the singing of the National Anthem by Hailey Brown and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Star Scout Reed Stoltz. Many veterans, neighbors, friends and public officials were in attendance and Pete Palestina provided welcome remarks and introduced speakers Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, Jim Worthington, Victoria Bliss, Tom Calkins and Paul Hoffecker. Bellina, a Navy veteran battling ALS, was one of the local constituents highlighted by Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick with his “Right to Try” legislation which President Trump signed into law a month ago. Matt’s ALS diagnosis was confirmed in April 2014 when he was only 30 years old. In his comments after the ceremony Matt said he was touched and thanked everyone for coming.

A video can be found at https://youtu.be/EGpSWlsktHk

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