Schuylkill County communities honor fallen heroes on Memorial Day
May 29—MAHANOY CITY — Patriotic colors and music filled the streets of Mahanoy City and many other Schuylkill County communities Monday as Memorial Day was observed.
The Mahanoy City United Veterans Parade featured bands, floats and tributes to veterans. Even candy was thrown to youngsters who lined the parade route on Mahanoy Avenue and Centre Street.
Stephen Moore, 49, of Mahanoy City, watched the parade from the corner of Catawissa Street and Mahanoy Avenue.
Although he was never privileged to serve in the armed forces, Moore said he has the utmost respect for the men and women who serve in the military, both past and present.
"I could be out somewhere and see a person wearing a military hat or shirt and stop and say thank you for your service," he said.
Sometimes that comment or a brief hand shake could serve as a reminder that people appreciate the armed services and all they have sacrificed for this country.
"I'm not a veteran, but I understand the sacrifices they made and want to show a little respect and gratitude," Moore said.
Cindie Gunterman rode a float in Mahanoy City while singing patriotic songs wearing red, white and blue with an American flag behind her.
"That's beautiful," said Anne Holloway as Gunterman drove by.
Pottsville
Events in Pottsville kicked off with the Memorial Day Mile Run, a 1-mile race that started at 18th Street and ended at Garfield Square, where an awards ceremony took place.
The city's annual Memorial Day service was held under sunny skies at Garfield Square with remarks by retired Brig. Gen. Robert C. Allison Jr.
Allison enlisted in the Pennsylvania National Guard in 1983 and retired in 2019.
Musical selections were presented by the Third Brigade Band of Pottsville and the singing of "God Bless America" by Pottsville Winter Carnival Princess Danica Frederick.
Around the county
Other events highlighted throughout the county included a parade in New Philadelphia followed by a program at the town square featuring Schuylkill County District Attorney Michael A. O'Pake as guest speaker.
People lined the streets for the parade that began at the Minersville Little League field and ended with a ceremony at the Minersville Veterans Memorial on East Sunbury Street.
A parade in Port Carbon was followed by services at the Veterans Park Gazebo, while Tremont hosted its annual parade that ended with services at Veterans Park on Main Street.
In neighboring Williamstown in Dauphin County, the parade ended with services at Veterans Memorial Park, where a MIA Memorial was also dedicated.
Light lunches were served in canteens of both the Williamstown American Legion post and the Williamstown VFW.
A parade and service were also held in Donaldson, along with other memorial services at the Old White Church in Ringtown hosted by the Ringtown American Legion Post 239 and in Schuylkill Haven at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial sponsored by the Veterans of the Vietnam War Post 29.
Contact the writer: fandruscavage@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6013
