Memorial Day Observances & Dedication
Dedication of Robert H. Dembowski Jr. Veterans Memorial Park
Northampton PA, USA — Memorial Day 2008 ceremonies in Northampton started early with the Marine Corps League Patriot Detachment performing the flag-lowering ceremony at 8:00 am next to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial in front of the Township Administration building.
The ceremony had been conducted each year since 1992 by several members of Northampton’s police force.
Two years ago, though, the event was taken over by the Patriot Detachment.
A small, stalwart group attended including two of the Republican Township Supervisors,other vets, New Hope American Legion Post 79 guests and friends.
Later, at 2:00 pm, in the Northampton Commons Park at the Junction of Routes 332 and 232 ,a larger group assembled for the ceremony to rename the park in honor of Robert H. Dembowski Jr, a Northampton resident killed in action (KIA) in Iraq almost a year ago to the day.
Those assembled included a large contingent from Warriors’ Watch Riders on their “WWR Ride to Honor Robert Dembowski Jr”.
The Marine Corps League Patriot Detachment acted as Color Guard and preformed a 15 gun Memorial Salute; local Cub Scouts, Firemen, Police and EMS stood proudly to honor our fallen hero.
The Dembowski family, lots of citizens, American Legion Representatives, VFW members, many vets and many civic and political figures were present.
Township Supervisor George F. Komelasky presented the Dembowski family with a plaque containing the Supervisors’ Proclamation dedicating the park in Robert’s memory.
Colonel Daniel Rubini of the Northampton Veterans Committee presented a $500 award that was donated by American Legion Post 79 of New Hope to the Dembowski Fund.
Colonel Daniel Rubini also said,”God bless him and his family and this now sacred spot, it is a reminder for all people that look at his name on this wall and remind themselves that freedom is not free.”
This community dedicated the park as the “Robert H. Dembowski, Jr. Veterans Memorial Park” to honor our friend and neighbor Army Specialist Robert H. Dembowski, Jr., and in his spirit, all Veterans now and in the past, who call Northampton Township their home.
He was the first citizen and son of Northampton to die in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Robert Dembowski, Jr., 20, of Ivyland, Pa., was a company radio transmitter with 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division.
“Spc. Dembowski was a highly dedicated paratrooper,†said Capt. Aaron King last year, the rear detachment commander for Dembowki’s battalion. “He was dedicated not only to his profession but also in serving this great nation.â€
Dembowski, who was killed May 24, joined the Army in January 2006. He completed infantry one station unit training and the basic airborne course at Fort Benning, Ga., in April 2006.
He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, when he arrived at the 82nd Airborne in May 2006.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart.
Dembowski is survived by his parents, Robert Sr. and Frances Dembowski, and his sister, Janice Dembowski, all of Ivyland, Pa.
His motto, printed on his website was: “Since when is it not ok to try and make the world a better place?”
He was a very aware, focused individual who joined the Army with the intention of doing his part to give back to his country. He has been remembered by many honors and testimonials over the past year.
Bucks County Community Honors Fallen Soldier
Video of his funeral last year
Soldiers & Sailors Military Museum and Memorial “On Behalf of a Grateful Nation, Grateful Nation, War on Terrorism ”
FORT BRAGG, N.C. — 82nd Airborne Division
Tax Aid (Horsham PA) dedicated their 2008 tax season to a fallen hero: “Robert H. Dembowski; he sacrificed for us and now he walks with God”.
Guest Book for. Pfc. Robert H. Dembowski
PFC Robert H. Dembowski, Jr. Memorial Night at Citizens Bank Park, May 1, 2008