‘Day of reflection’
Members of the Patriot Guard held flags around the perimeter of the Memorial Day ceremony area.
Above, a lone observer stands at National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Cecil Township Sunday. At top right, members of the Patriot Guard hold flags around the perimeter of a Memorial Day ceremony at the cemetery. At right, Tom Strang of Cecil Township, who served on a submarine in the U.S. Navy from 1960-63, attends the ceremony. Strang is a life member of Keystone Paralyzed Veterans of America, where he also volunteers.
National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township
Wreath presentation Sunday at National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township
Tom Strang of Cecil Township, who served on a submarine in the U.S. Navy from 1960-63, attends services at National Cemetery of the Alleghenies Sunday in Cecil Township.
Memorial Day program at National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township
Canon-McMillan band members attend services Sunday at National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township.
Major General Stephen T. Johnson, USMC, retired, gave the keynote address Sunday and helped present a wreath at National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Cecil Township.
Kate Matthews, a bagpiper with the Department of Veteran Affairs, played service songs for each branch of the military and “Amazing Grace” followed by a benediction.
Kate Matthews, a bagpiper with the Department of Veteran Affairs, played service songs for each branch of the military and “Amazing Grace” followed by a benediction.
In the late 1960s, Larry Bresselsmith’s service as a helicopter airman in Vietnam meant he would not see his infant son until the baby was one month shy of his first birthday.
But as he surveyed the rows of white stone markers Sunday in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Cecil Township, Bresselsmith was quick to note his sacrifice paled in comparison to what others gave.
Bresselsmith, commander of the Washington County Marine Corps League Detachment 1138, took part in the firing squad and color guard for the annual Memorial Day program at the cemetery.
“We have to pay tribute to our past veterans and we also owe it to those who are serving now,” he said.
Hundreds attended the annual service honoring the men and women interred at the cemetery, making it a “day of mourning and meaning,” according to Ronald Hestdalen, cemetery director.
Today, there are 7,300 people interred at the cemetery.
“On this day of reflection, in this sacred place, we honor brave deeds, great achievements and great personal fortitude. We pay tribute to loyalty and commitment to faith and fidelity. And in our gratitude and respect we say, ‘Rest well brave souls, for yours is a sleep of heroes,'” Hestdalen said.
Keynote speaker was retired Major General Stephen T. Johnson. Johnson spent 35 years in the Marine Corps, serving in a number of capacities including commanding general of the Second Marine Division. From 2004-06, he was commander of the II Marine Expeditionary Force that deployed to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Today, he is manager of safety and emergency response for Range Resources.
“We live in peace, we live without fear, we pursue our own interests in a land of plenty because other citizens have made our blessings possible by their service and sacrifice for our nation,” Johnson said.
Looking over the sacred ground, Johnson told his audience to remember three things: American citizenship requires sacrifice, courageous and resourceful people – not just technology – who will fight wars and define our national character. Johnson noted Memorial Day, instituted in 1866 to remember Civil War dead, now recognizes thousands more who have fought and died in numerous wars since then, a “hard fact that reminds us that peace is fragile and elusive.
“Those we honor today whisper to us that the ebb and flow of war and peace will continue into the future,” he said. “So we need to listen to those voices from the past and never drop our guard and never succumb to the suggestions that our adversaries are reasonable people and that hostile nations will respect our national interests.”
Kate Matthews, a bagpiper with the Department of Veteran Affairs, played the service songs for each branch of the military at which time veterans of those armed services stood. Matthews also played “Amazing Grace” followed by the benediction given by Chaplain Gretchen Hulse with the VA Pittsburgh Health care System.
The Canon-McMillan High School band performed with student Sarah Chelli singing the National Anthem.
Surrounding the area, holding American flags, were dozens of Patriot Guards, motorcycle riders who pay their respects to those who have risked their lives for freedom.