WWI veteran's family receives long-lost medal in Schuylkill County ceremony

At the Orwigsburg Free Public Library, State Treasurer Stacy Garrity presented a significant World War I memento to the family of the late Joseph William Morrison. Morrison, a Private First Class in the Army from Auburn, Schuylkill County, was killed while in action. The medal returned to the family had been categorized as unclaimed property by the Treasury.

The particular WWI Gold Star Mothers and Widows Pilgrimage Medal had been found in a safe deposit box previously owned by the late Agnes Morrison. She was the granddaughter of Agnes Kissick Morrison, to whom the medal was originally awarded. Christine Morrison from Brooklyn made the journey to Schuylkill County for the occasion, joining many family members in attendance. Christine is related to Agnes Morrison as her cousin.

At the ceremony, Treasurer Garrity expressed her feelings, stating, "I'm so honored to be returning this medal to Joseph Morrison's family on behalf of a grateful Commonwealth." She emphasized the importance of remembering and honoring those who sacrificed their lives, noting, "It is so important we remember the sacrifices of those who gave their lives serving our country, as PFC Morrison did when he died representing the Allies in France. As a fellow Veteran, there is no higher honor for me than to return these medals to our military families and shine a light on the heroism of our men and women in uniform."

Several speakers were part of the event, including Claudia Gross, Director of Orwigsburg Free Public Library, Pastor Jeff Stonesifer from the Congregational Free Church of Christ, and Dave Moore, Commander of VFW Post 2198.