Lakewood Lore

Color guard still stepping proud after all these years

Color guards swell the patriotic heart and make us stand tall when they march by.

In Lakewood, one such flag-bearing unit—that of half-century-old Catholic War Veterans, SS. Cyril and Methodius, Post 579—always has been an impressive attention gripper.

Its uniforms—distinctive light blue with bold trim and piping—have gained the plaudits of other veterans' organizations, as well as those of the curbside spectators.

"We think they're the best around," said Ernest M. "Tex" Phillips, president of the Joint Veterans Council of Lakewood.

According to Phillips, this color guard, which at one time won first place in Ohio statewide competition for six consecutive years, typifies the cooperation and dedication that Post 579 gives to all facets of veterans' commemorative programs held here.

"You can depend on 579's members to always take part and do it well," Phillips said. "We salute the post on this, its 50th anniversary year. The group is a great asset to our community."

Catholic War Veterans Post 579 was chartered in Lakewood on March 8, 1946. It was organized by World War I and II vets who had served in all theaters.

It is the only veterans' association to meet continually in the city of Lakewood for 50 years. The meeting has always been the second Thursday evening of each month in the lower hall of SS. Cyril and Methodius church, 12608 Madison Ave.

Through its five decades, the post's annual roster has ranged for the most part between 60-70 members. Currently, total membership stands at 53.

Of an original 15 charter members, only one, John Bronish, is still active. Bronish, 78, lives on Hopkins Avenue in Lakewood, in the same home where he resided when he joined the post a half-century ago.

The post's first commander was Lakewood's John Tomsik, who died three years ago. The current commander, and the member who most often has held that post, is Lewis J. Zahara of Lakewood's Arthur Ave.

The oldest member is Ambrose Grospitch, a World War I vet who will be 100 years old March 30. He is the father of John Grospitch, current editor of the post's quarterly newsletter, called the 579'er.

Supporting the activities of the post is a women's auxiliary. It was organized 30 years ago. Heading it at the outset was Geraldine Starcovic, who still is active. The current president is Mary Chura.

No. 579 is part of a national Catholic War Veterans organization, which was founded in 1935 and comprises about 350 posts. Two 579 members—Joseph V. Klubert of Lakewood and William J. Gill of Rocky River—are past national commanders.

Gill will act as toastmaster for 579's 50th anniversary program. The event will begin with a 5 p.m. Mass on April 20 at SS. Cyril and Methodius Church, conducted by the Rev. Richard Ondreyka, chaplain of 579, who last year celebrated his 40th anniversary in the priesthood.

After Mass, there will be a banquet in the church school's Alameda Hall, with music by Andrew "Andy" Starcovic and his orchestra. Gov. George V. Voinovich, Lakewood Mayor Madeline Cain, .U.S. Rep. Martin Hoke, R-10, and other dignitaries will be invited to attend.

Many of the post's community activities involve programs that it has held for extended periods. For instance, this year will be the 45th in which its members will have placed Memorial Day flag decorations on veterans' graves at Holy Cross Cemetery.

The task is a big one. Placement this year is expected to set a record, topping 10,000, according to John Sterba, who has chaired the program since its inception.

Among other longtime projects are an annual poppy sale (49 years), Memorial services and a Holy Week color guard (each 45 years), and a scholarship program (47 years). The latter has provided, to date, 110 scholarships for eighth graders enrolling in Catholic high schools.

Once a month for 25 years, post members visited Brecksville Veterans Hospital where they entertained patients. Also, for many years, the post sponsored slow-pitch softball teams in Lakewood.

Through the years, current Cmdr. Zahara has been chosen a record 13 times to serve in the organization's top spot, a 12-month office that runs from October to October.

Zahara, 68, was born on Lakewood's Robin Street. He is of Slovak descent, as are many of the other members. His ancestors followed a migration pattern not uncommon in the SS. Cyril and Methodius parish.

His parents came to Lakewood from the "old country" during the first quarter of the century—first his father, who then, after establishing himself, sent for his mother and other family members.

Zahara was a machine repairman at the Parma plant of General Motors Chevrolet Division for 40 years before retiring in 1989. He is married to the former Lillian Kvocak, also a native of Lakewood. They have three children and three grandsons.

The commander will have reason to be extra proud at the forthcoming Memorial Day service in Holy Cross Cemetery.

"One of my grandsons, Joseph Wantz, 14, will be the bugler," he said, radiating.

This article appeared in the Lakewood Sun Post March 7, 1996. Reprinted with permission.

[Note: Ambrose Grospitch passed away March 16, 1996.]

More Lakewood Lore