Please join us on Friday, February 22 as we honor 95-year-old World War II Veteran Mr. Clarence Smoyer and subject of the new book “Spearhead.” Visit www.adammakos.com for more information. We will be surprising Clarence by picking him up in a Sherman tank, the same type that he served as a gunner on with the 3rd Armored Division in France and Germany.
The parade route which will culminate in a ceremony outside of VFW Post 2124, 1110 S Front St, Allentown. This will be followed by a book signing inside the VFW. Copies of the book can be purchased at the signing (with Clarence and author Adam Makos on-hand) with all proceeds going to the VFW post. Payment can be made by cash or check. We are still working on accepting credit cards. Price for the book has not yet been set, but should not exceed $30 per copy. BTW: USA Today has given the book four stars and the Wall Street Journal will be publishing their review on Sunday.
I have finished reading an advance copy of the book and can say that it is an amazing story of valor and survival. More importantly, Clarence’s story is a worthy addition to the body of the war’s history as well as the moral and psychological damages of war.
The parade will start at 10 a.m. with a SURPRISE pickup of Clarence at his home. The parade will then proceed down Donald Street, S. Genessee Street, W. Susquehanna Street, and then turn north onto S. Front Street. The parade will end at the VFW post at approximately 10:45, where a ceremony honoring Clarence will be held. For those watching along Susquehanna Street, there is a gate directly into the ceremony area. There is no need to walk around to Long Street.
We ask that you do not park along the above streets. Parking is available at St. Paul’s and Fearless Fire Co (see the map) and along the side streets.
Please consider forwarding this email to your contacts or posting on Facebook. You can post the JPG’s on Facebook, but not the PDFs. We are hoping for a fantastic turnout for this event and your help in spreading the word is greatly appreciated. Mr. Smoyer is originally from Lehighton and also lived in Palmerton, so please contact anyone you know in that area.
Please bring along your flags and noisemakers to the parade to honor Clarence as he once again climbs onto ‘his’ tank and enjoys a well-deserved ride.
See you next Friday!
Tom
Thomas L. Applebach, MPA
Director, Office of Veterans Affairs
County of Lehigh
Lehigh County Government Center
17 South Seventh Street,
Allentown, Pennsylvania 18101-2401
Information provided to TVL by:
Viola Hertzog
