- Last Updated on Friday, 01 August 2014 02:19
By Ken Askew
"It's our civic responsibility to never forget the sacrifices made for us." "You must teach your children and grandchildren about the high cost of freedom." These were the most poignant points made by PA Representative Rick Saccone at the 53rd Annual Memorial Day Services in Jefferson Hills on May 26, 2014.
PA Representative Rick Saccone is joined by Robert Seleski, a Korean War veteran in charge of placing commemorative wreaths. |
Saccone, a US Air Force veteran, was a guest speaker at the event held at the Floreffe Fire Department, followed by a parade to Lobbs Cemetery, just ¼ mile down the road.
The other guest speaker was District Court 05-2-16 Judge Guy Reschenthaler, a US Navy veteran. He reiterated the patriotic theme, and added that the Lobbs Cemetery surprisingly has been the final resting place for veterans of all US wars, dating back over 200 years!
Joining in the parade were several hundred residents of the local community, emergency vehicles from Floreffe and Jefferson Hills fire departments, Boy Scout Troops 1843 and 712, Cub Scout Pack 712, plus Girl Scout Troops 51102, 52164, and 51130.
Thomas Jefferson High School Band and Choir performed renditions of "The Star Spangled Banner" and "God Bless America."
Welcoming remarks were delivered by Christopher King, President of Jefferson Hills Council, Mayor Jan Cmar was in charge of the program, and the Invocation and Benediction were offered by Rev. Daniel Maurer of St. Thomas A' Beckett church.
And the most popular sentence of the day was spoken to the veterans in attendance: Thank you for your service to our country!