Judge Burke recalls Civil War soldier at Memorial Day service
NEW PHILADELPHIA — Lt. William Cullen, an officer with the 48th Pennsylvania Regiment, died in the Battle of Antietam Creek during the Civil War on Sept. 17, 1862.
Schuylkill County Common Pleas Judge William Burke, a direct descendant, recalled Cullen's sacrifice Monday during Memorial Day ceremonies in the borough's public square.
Burke, who has deep family roots in New Philadelphia and neighboring Blythe Twp., recited a poem written by soldiers under Lt. Cullen's command the day after he died.
'Attention ye brave to this mournful story, that I am going to pen of a soldier so brave,' it read in part. 'Who started to reap a rich harvest of glory, but is now lying dead in his cold narrow grave.'
Cullen, who lived in the Silver Creek section of Blythe Twp., is buried at St. Stephen's Cemetery in Port Carbon.
'I'm so proud of him,' said Burke, who has had family members serve in World War II and Vietnam.
Judge William Burke spoke at Memorial Day services in New Philadelphia on May 26, 2025. RON DEVLIN/STAFF PHOTO
Lt. Cullen's willingness to serve and give his life for his country was testament to the sacrifices of all veterans who have fallen in battle.
'I want to thank those veterans,' he said, standing near a combined honor guard of American Legion, Amvets and Catholic War Veterans members. 'If it wasn't for their efforts, we wouldn't be standing here in free assembly.'
Less than a block away, Burke practiced law with his father, attorney Stanley Burke.
George Matalavage, commander of American Legion Post 677, noted that the 48th Regiment was composed of Schuylkill County residents. Included were soldiers from New Philadelphia, Silver Creek, Valley Furnace and Middleport.
Maroons player honored
In a separate service, a flowering plum tree was dedicated to Lt. Col. Eddie Doyle on the grounds of Simon Kramer Cancer Institute, New Philadelphia.
Doyle, a member of the Pottsville Maroons 1925 NFL Champions, led a detachment of the 168th Infantry during combat in Algiers, North Africa, where he died in combat on Nov. 8, 1942.
Msgr. Edward B. Connelly, right; and Dr. David J. Moylan, left, officiate at a tree planting on Memorial Day, May 26, 2025. RON DEVLIN/STAFF PHOTO
Dr. David J. Moylan, the institute's medical director, organized the tree planting in Doyle's honor.
Msgr. Edward B. Connelly imparted a blessing on the tree, planted near the former Blythe Twp. High School football stadium.
Doyle, who attended West Point, is reported to have been one of the first American casualties in the North African Campaign.
His name is included in a wartime heroes display at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
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