Heroes in war and peace

Their tombstones represent only a synopsis of their earthly existence.
Yet those familiar with the history of the Revs. Edward Burke and James Dalton know just how much the priests understood the blessings of freedom.

Both military men, who died decades ago, left an indelible mark on the country and community they once served, say parishioners of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 2319 S. Third St., where the priests are buried.

Congregants paid their respects Sunday to Burke, Dalton and other veterans – alive and deceased – that fought to keep the United States free throughout the nation’s wars.

The pre-Memorial Day service infused history with prayer and gave more than 100 attendees a deeper understanding of the two priests’ military background and local legacy.

Before memorial wreaths were laid over the pastors’ graves, war veterans cocked their guns to the sky and saluted them in typical military fashion.

The service, organized by the parish’s Holy Name Society, also praised individuals who sacrificed their lives for the sake of saving others.

"It’s the strength of our country – people caring enough about each other to give up their own life during a time when they think it’s important," said Fred Druding Sr., vice president of the Holy Name Society, which aims to exemplify Christian values through events and outreach programs.

Burke and Dalton, both pastors of Our Lady of Mount Carmel at one point, overcame the trials of war and later actively worked to improve the home front.

The strong-willed character of the priests and other military members is what defines this nation, said Druding, who served in the Army for two years before becoming a member of the Army Reserve.

"The great freedoms we enjoy in this country, we take for granted," said Druding, of the 100 block of Tree Street. "Our military provided that protection for us."

DURING HIS FOUR-YEAR service as a chaplain in the Army during World War II, Burke was briefly a prisoner of war; his captors placed him in a cell and hung him from his thumbs. Burke completed his service in 1946 and became pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel four years later.

Druding, who knew Burke while a student at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Elementary School, never heard the pastor talk about his military experience, but said all other topics were fair game.

Burke’s random visits to neighborhood homes were always a pleasant surprise, Druding recalled.

"That’s the kind of person he was. He would just stop in to see how you were doing or come over just to say hello," he said.

The pastor was fiercely protective of his community, fighting against the demolition of homes on Front Street, from Snyder to Oregon avenues, for the construction of Interstate-95.

Burke’s activism extended into joining the neighborhood opposition to the Whitman Park housing project, which ultimately led the priest to found the Whitman Council civic group with 12 other members.

He also applied his powers of persuasion during Mass, and Druding remembered that Burke’s poignant sermons had him considering a vocation.

"I was moved by them because that’s what started to get me thinking about going into the priesthood," said Druding, 64, who instead went on to another career – he is now executive director of the Weccacoe Development Corp. – but is studying to become a deacon.

The pastor died in 1960 and Burke Playground, Second and Jackson streets, was later dedicated in his name.

In an earlier generation, Father Dalton followed a similar path of ministering abroad before settling at Mount Carmel.

The priest was commissioned in 1902 by President Theodore Roosevelt to serve as chaplain in the Army. Dalton was assigned to the 5th U.S. Calvary, stationed in the Philippines.

Dalton became Mount Carmel’s second pastor in 1909. He founded the church’s Holy Name Society a year later and was the group’s first spiritual director.

Dalton also is credited with initiating construction on the church’s convent in 1913. He died in 1917.

Both pastors requested that they be buried on the church grounds.

To reflect on a veteran’s life is to understand his or her sacrifice and contribution to society, said John Edger, president of the Holy Name Society.

"I don’t know how I could put up with that, knowing my son or daughter is laying [his or her life] on the line somewhere," he said.

Edger, of the 300 block of Snyder Avenue, said soldiers should be respected for the devotion they show their country and their comrades.

"They often say you don’t know true love until you’re in a foxhole with a person who would actually give up their life to save you," said Edger, whose society resurrected the honoring of veterans nearly eight years ago.

George Chavanne Sr., commander for the Philadelphia Municipal Employees War Veterans Association, said Sunday’s event highlighted the importance of recognizing those who are serving or have served in the military.

"They went overseas to protect our country and deserve everything that is coming to them, even if God has taken them up to heaven," he said.