Parade, program planned
CONNELLSVILLE – The Pennsylvania American Legion Department Commander will be the keynote speaker for the city’s annual Memorial Day parade and program. James H. Hales Jr., a former member of the U.S. Marine Corps and combat veteran of the Vietnam War, along with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, Co. D, 1st Battalion, 103rd Armor, and various veterans groups, fire departments, and organizations will pay tribute Monday to soldiers who fought and died in service to their country.
Hales enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1964 and was assigned to the Ceremonial Guard Co. in Washington, D.C.
During his Vietnam tour of duty, he was twice meritoriously promoted in a combat zone to the ranks of corporal and sergeant. After returning to the U.S., he took part in numerous national and international assignments.
He retired from the Marine Corps in 1985 after serving as inspector/instructor in New Castle Pa.
Hales is a member of the Marine Corps League, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, La Societe’ 40 & 8 and Military Officers Association. He also is a member of the Sons of The American Legion.
He had served in various positions with the American Legion prior to being named state department commander.
Participants in the Memorial Day parade, meanwhile, will gather on the city’s West Side at 9:45 a.m.
The Veterans Commission Honor Guard, state National Guard firing squad, classic car escort for veterans, American Legion Riders and Connellsville Area elementary bands will assemble on South First Street.
The second section participants, including state National Guard 1/103 Armor, National Guard vehicles, VFW float, active duty military recruiters, American Legion Post 301 Auxiliary, American Legion Post 762 Auxiliary, VFW Post 21, VFW Post 21 Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion Squadron 301 and the Connellsville Area Senior High School marching band will line up along North First Street.
Connellsville Junior High East marching band will gather on North Second Street.
The retired enlisted floats and Fayette County Veterans Affairs Director Don Seroka will assemble on South Second Street.
The Connellsville Junior High West marching band will assemble along North Third Street while the Connellsville Area High School Patriots and city and county officials will gather along South Third Street.
New Haven Hose Volunteer Fire Co. bagpipers, marching unit and company vehicles will assemble on Crawford Avenue with Fayette EMS, Connellsville Township and Normalville fire departments will gathering on North Fourth Street.
The parade events will begin at 10 a.m. with a service on the Crawford Avenue bridge for those that died at sea, then proceed to North Pittsburgh Street to the Veterans Memorial, where a program will be conducted with former Connellsville Area School District superintendent and Vietnam War veteran Gerald Browell as master of ceremonies.
Fred Luckey, former World War II veteran and prisoner of war will serve as grand parade marshal with James Emery as officer of the day and Donald G. Siple, commander of the day.
“This promises to be one of our best parades,” said Don Burkholder, president of the Connellsville Veterans Commission. Also taking part in the program will be the Connellsville Area High School marching band, Molinaro Band, Connellsville Area High School chorus, the Rev. Craig Forsythe, Ethan T. Colgan, Andy Giles, Eric Long and the Rev. Philip Ramstad.
“We are encouraging all retired or active military personnel to join with us,” said Burkholder, “and all residents to come out and show their gratitude to those that have served.”