Connellsville parade pays homage to fallen soldiers
CONNELLSVILLE – Honoring those who gave their today so that we might have a tomorrow was carried out through prayer, music and reflection by several hundred area residents during the annual Memorial Day parade and program. “For more than 200 years, Americans have distinguished themselves on the battlefields for freedom,” said Col. Robert P. French as he stood at the city’s landmark that honors those who have served. “In places far from American soil, men and women, representing every race, religion and creed, from this diverse American melting pot, have willingly donned American military uniforms for this country.
“They all knew the risk, but they did not let their fear of the risk overcome their mission.”
French, a 1968 graduate of Frazier High School and currently the chief of staff to the adjutant general of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, was the keynote speaker for Monday’s event.
Noting the one million men and women that have died in battle in the American Revolution to the current war in Iraq, French said it was only fitting that Americans take time to remember the fallen warriors.
“This is a day of personal sorrow for those who have lost loved ones in uniform,” he said. “But it also a day for the nation to mourn, to show our collective national pride and to illustrate our appreciation for this almost unbearable sacrifice.
“We honor these brave warriors by not forgetting them; we honor them by not taking for granted what they have done for us.”
Pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of the six Pennsylvanian soldiers that died in Iraq, French said their service represented the last full measure of devotion.
The commonwealth, he said, has always participated full heartedly when there is a need to defend the nation’s freedom.
“From the American Revolution when 15,000 Pennsylvanians served and fought proudly to secure a new nation, 1,500 did not come home,” he said. “The Civil War ended the lives of 20,000-plus Pennsylvanians with many spending their last days on the rolling hills at Gettysburg.
“Vietnam was the ultimate sacrifice for over 3,000 Commonwealth heroes and as we drew the line in the sand, 31 Pennsylvanians paid the ultimate sacrifice during Desert Storm.”
French challenged those gathered to not only remember those who have died, but to also keep the torch of hope burning for those who are fighting to liberate others who are under oppressive regimes.
“Your attendance at this Memorial Day ceremony sends a clear signal that America stands united behind our armed forces,” he said. “It says that you care enough about this country to take a moment to remember; it says that you care today for those who gave their lives in the past.”
Also taking part in the ceremony were members of Connellsville’s National Guard unit, Company D, 1st Battalion, 103rd Armor who were honored for their recent service in Germany, Italy and Bosnia, along with local World War II veterans.
Connellsville Area School District superintendent and Vietnam veteran Gerald Browell read the 109 names of veterans who died over the past year, with members of the high school choral ensemble singing the National Anthem.
Adam Casey, senior at Geibel Catholic High School, recited the Gettysburg Address with Oron Lowe, VFW Post 21 Commander and Nancy C. Jones, VFW Post 21 Ladies Auxiliary president and VFW Auxiliary State Chaplin, placing the memorial wreath.
The Connellsville Area High School Band and the Molinaro Band provided several musical selections.
The program was preceded by a parade with numerous veteran’s organizations, local fire and emergency personnel and officials taking part as crowds stood along the Crawford Avenue and Pittsburgh Street parade route.
Don Burkholder, Connellsville Veterans’ Commission president, said he was pleased with the number of parade participants and those who had turned out to pay tribute to those who have defended the nation and protected the freedoms of others.
“It was very good to look out and see so many waving and cheering and saying thank you,” he said.