PHOTO PROVIDED Foster Joseph Sayers, Jr., of Howard, is surrounded by some of his family members after a recent Quilts of Valor ceremony. Pictured are, rear, Bill and Jackson VanOrden, center, Carrie VanOrden, Foster and Sydney Sayers, and front, Charlotte VanOrden and Megan Robison.

HOWARD — It has been 80 years since 20 year old Foster Joseph Sayers was killed in action near Thionville, France, on Nov. 12, 1944.

Howard Area Lions, in partnership with several Veterans Affairs offices, has planned a memorial flyover and special program to commemorate the anniversary of Sayers’ death.

Sayers was serving with the United States Army during World War II when he gave his life to save his comrades who were fighting against the Germans.

Sayers was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his bravery and valiant efforts that day. His citation is engraved on the monument at the Sayers Medal of Honor Memorial site in Bald Eagle State Park. Sayers’ medals, awarded posthumously, have been donated and are on display for others to view at the Pa. Military Museum in Boalsburg, Pa.

Sayers, at the time of his death, left behind a young wife, Ellen, who had just given birth to their son, Foster Joseph Sayers, Jr., in August of 1944. The young Army man was looking forward to his firstborn’s birth, and thinking that the child would be a girl, he purchased a doll and mailed it home to his bride to keep as a gift for the child.

Letters that Ellen sent to her husband announcing the birth of their son, who she gave her husband’s name, would never reach the young PFC. Mail traveled at a snail’s pace back then, and often those fighting in the fields did not get regular mail deliveries.

Although Foster Joseph Sayers, Jr., of Howard, would never meet his father, he covets the doll that his father bought. Sayers has kept that doll all these years, being sure to lovingly handle it to keep it in the pristine condition just as the day it was received.

Foster and Sydney Sayers frequently visit Schenck’s Cemetery near Howard since their daughter, Jaime Sayers VanOrden, who died in 2013 from cancer complications, is buried there, along with it being the final resting place of their parents.

Jaime and Bill’s son, Jackson, has now grown into a handsome young man, and since their daughter’s death, Foster and Sydney have welcomed Bill’s wife, Carrie, and their daughters, Charlotte and Megan, into their family.

Now, 80 years later, the elder Foster Joseph Sayers will be remembered once again for his heroism on that fateful day 80 years ago. Sayers, Jr., himself a military veteran, takes solemn comfort in knowing that his father has not been forgotten for his military actions that day.

Foster and Sydney are also looking forward to having their son, Foster Joseph Sayers, III, and his wife, Eden, and their two sons, coming to Pennsylvania from their Colorado home for this special memorial tribute and to visit for a few days.

The memorial program will have numerous events for those who choose to attend, depending on the weather.

The military flyover expected to honor Foster Joseph Sayers on the 80th anniversary of his death has been changed to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12. The pilots of the aircraft have encountered an unforeseen schedule delay and so they will not be able to come at 1:30 p.m. as originally planned.

Those attending the short (20 minute) ceremony planned on Tuesday should arrive at the Sayers Medal of Honor Memorial site in Bald Eagle State Park near the breast of Sayer’s Lake (near the spillway) before 2:15 p.m. and be seated so the service can begin promptly. There won’t be much time between the start of the service and when the jets come flying over, so be prompt in your arrival. Bring your lawn chairs to sit on as there will not be chairs provided.

The Centre County Veterans Administration, the Clinton County VA, as well as commissioners from both counties are expected to take part in the program and presentations that are planned during the afternoon. Howard Area Lions will also be there to welcome all of those attending the flyover ceremony.

The memorial flyover at Sayers Memorial will be held, weather permitting. Following the short ceremony at the memorial site the afternoon events will then be moving to the Milesburg American Legion where the remainder of the program, with special speakers, will occur, followed by a meal served for all those in attendance. The meal is being provided by the Milesburg Legion with the aid of funds provided by the Howard Area Lions and the Milesburg Lions Club.

The public is invited to attend this momentous occasion — 80 years since our local military hero, Foster Joseph Sayers, was killed in action, giving his life to ensure our freedom!

In case of inclement weather and the pilots are unable to perform the military flyover, a representative will be positioned at the memorial site to inform attendees to proceed directly to the Milesburg Legion for the program there.