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Community Affected By Manhunt Honor Veterans And State Police

PALMYRA TOWNSHIP — A community in Pike County had on its mind not only those who have served overseas on this Veterans Day but the men and women who prote...
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PALMYRA TOWNSHIP -- A community in Pike County had on its mind not only those who have served overseas on this Veterans Day but the men and women who protect us right here at home.

The Wallenpaupack Area School District, the same district that found itself in the middle of the manhunt for alleged cop killer Eric Frein, held its Veterans Day ceremony Tuesday night.

Sweet voices filled the gymnasium here at Wallenpaupack Area High School as these youngsters sang patriotic songs to honor our veterans.

The fourth grade classes here in the district host this Veterans Day program every year.

“It is most importance that we honor our veterans because they give up their lives for us and they fight in the military, the air force, the coast guard, the navy and the army,” said fourth grader Brionna Gori.

“No you’re forgetting one, the Marines!” said her twin sister Crystal.

But parents here say a part of their children's innocence was taken from them, having to hear about violence right in their back yard.

Wallenpaupack Area Schools were closed as state police searched for accused cop killer Eric Frein, the man they say ambushed the state police barracks in nearby Blooming Grove Township, shooting and killing one trooper and wounding another.

After a more than month-long manhunt for Frein, Frein is now behind bars and people here say they are feeling safe once again.

“This is the kind of community you don`t lock your doors, everybody`s your friend,” said parent Jayne Odendahl-Gori. “So this is a way for them to honor the people who caught the bad man.”

On a day meant to recognize the men and women who serve overseas, many folks here say they are also honoring those who protect them right here.

“This whole area came together, PSP strong, Pike County strong, Wayne County strong, everybody really stuck together and the kids really understood that you know,” said parent Karllina Schmidt.

“Locally, the state police and the National Guard are just the people that we owe so much to because of the fact that they`re the first guys we go to or ladies that we go to,” said Vietnam Veteran Tom Ryan.

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