NEPA marks Memorial Day with parades, ceremonies, moments of remembrance
May 29—Every year, Mary Roche visits her father's and grandfather's graves in Cathedral Cemetery to remember them. But she sees Memorial Day as a special day for both men, who served in the Army.
"I think about them every day, but today is a special day to honor them," she said among rows of flags in the West Scranton cemetery.
Across Lackawanna County, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts scheduled many services and parades on the holiday weekend.
Others, like Roche, marked the holiday remembering loved ones who served. The Dunmore resident and her brother, Brian McCabe of Old Forge, placed fresh flowers at the headstone of their father, Francis McCabe, and grandfather, George Higgins. McCabe, who died in 2013, served in the Army during World War II, and Higgins was in the Army during World War I, receiving the Purple Heart. He died in 1983.
"I'm grateful for their service," Roche said.
She hopes the holiday reminds people they can't take freedom for granted.
Nearby, Bob Trama paused in front of the grave of his father, Louis Trama, also a World War II Army veteran.
"It's a time to sit back and remember the sacrifices of those who served," the Clarks Summit resident said.
At Life Fitness Goals, employees started a CrossFit challenge honoring a young man killed in action.
More than 50 people attended the first Murph Challenge at the Clarks Summit gym, which consisted of a series of 1-mile runs, pullups, pushups and squats.
The challenge honors Navy Lt. Michael Murphy, who died in action in Afghanistan in 2005. Money raised goes to the Lt. Michael P. Murphy Memorial Scholarship Foundation.
Participants raised $700 for the scholarship, owner Michael Normandia said.
"We're really proud of it," he said. "We're so blessed to put on this event for the community."
Contact the writer: clee@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 ext. 5365; @Cleespot on Twitter.
