Hero’s honor: Lee Page accepts congratulations from his wife, Michelle, and father, Donald, after officially being appointed first sergeant in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. TOM WARING / TIMES PHOTO
Donald Page spent 25 years in the U.S. Army, retiring in 1976 with the rank of first sergeant.
These days, Page is a popular bartender at McKenna’s at Frankford Avenue and Aldine Street in Mayfair.
Lee D. Page, Donald’s son, followed his father into the military. He’s a member of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. He’s based out of the Pennsylvania National Guard Armory, at Southampton Road and Roosevelt Boulevard, and is in charge of recruiting in the five-county Philadelphia area.
The younger Page is in his 21st year with the Guard, and had been a master sergeant. In January, he was given a lateral appointment to first sergeant, the his father’s rank when he retired.
The official ceremony took place Jan. 23 at McKenna’s, as Lee Page’s father and wife Michelle placed the chevrons on his uniform.
“It’s special. I’m glad to be able to do this and make my dad proud,” Lee Page said.
Donald Page, who served in combat in the Korean and Vietnam wars, certainly was proud of his son.
“He’s outstanding. That’s why he got to where he is,” the elder Page said.
Lee Page’s son, Damon, and daughter, Amanda, were on hand for the ceremony. Damon Page is a specialist in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.
In addition, about 20 of Lee Page’s work colleagues were in attendance.
Bar owner Sue McKenna hosted the festivities.
Lee Page, who attended St. Dominic Elementary School and Abraham Lincoln High School, received the appointment because of his dedicated service, patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence.
The party, of course, would not be complete without Pabst Blue Ribbon flowing from the tap.
McKenna’s is famous for its 80-cent PBR mugs. In fact, McKenna’s served more PBR on tap than any bar in America in 2012. The 2013 winner has not yet been announced. ••
