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10/11/2007 12:48 PM
2007 Memorial Day Parade draws large crowds:
5/28/2007
EllwoodCity.org staff
Ellwood City took to heart the words "support our troops" by turning out in
record numbers for the Memorial Day parade. Not only were the parade streets
full of citizens wanting to show everything from respect, to tears, to support,
but the parade participants were at record numbers as well.
"The support and
participation this year has been absolutely incredible and something not seen in
many, many years," said Rich Oliver, one of the many parade coordinators. From
the Boy Scout troops, to the red hatters, and to the car cruisers, they all took
a moment in there own lives to show appreciation and thanks to the many men and
women who have served our country faithfully.
State Representative Jared Gibbons
summarized the event well by saying, " Memorial Day is a time to recognize those
who have given their lives in service to this country and recognize those who
are still with us today who our serving this country proudly."
The parade
kickoff began over the Veterans Memorial Bridge with the traditional tossing of
flowers to commemorate fallen comrades who died fighting for our country. The
Riverside band played the “Star Spangle Banner” and the Veterans of prior wars
fired rounds of ammunition over the calm Connequenessing River prior to the
flowers being thrown to the waters below.
"It is extremely touching to watch the
dedication. It helps remind us of just how fragile freedom is," citizen Sam
Kasper said.
The parade then proceeded through town. Every block seemed dressed
with veterans donning their medals, children waving American flags and citizens
shedding a tear for a family or friend who may have served at some point in
time.
When asked what Memorial Day meant to them, the answers seemed to ring out
in similarity, but in a different tone like each war has been to American.
Nine-year-old Ashley
Dillon
said, "Memorial Day means that my grandpa is a veteran and he served in the
forces to protect me and my country."
Peter Kucan, when asked, said, "Memorial
Day means that freedom isn't free."
Together, Clemmy Sirimarco and Barbara
Osborn summed it well, "It means that we are still living here because our boys
served bravely in this country so that we can have the freedom we have today."
Despite a hotter than normal day, people lined the streets and filled Veterans
park to hear the ceremony brought before the crowd at the front steps of the
Christ Presbyterian church. Ellwood City Area Civic Chorale sang a beautiful
melody of songs, which included some breath taking pieces, such as "Anchors
away" and "Battle Hymn of the Republic." Mayor Don Clyde and guest speaker Judge
Dominick Motto touched many with their speeches, and Carl Castellani presented
the wreath at the World War II memorial in the park.
The closing of what
most people thought would be another typical parade appears to be the opening of
a new remembrance…a remembrance of those who have served and have fallen, a
remembrance of those who have served and come home, and a remembrance that they
and future Memorial Day parades will never be forgotten.
(view
pictures)
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