May 28, 2007 By Jenny Susa 4 min read

NEWELL – Local veterans and elected officials reminded people at Sunday’s Memorial Day celebration in Newell that Memorial Day is more than a time to enjoy picnics and kick off the summer. As the community dedicated its new Honor Roll and honored veterans who served in all wars, the public was asked to remember that honoring those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the nation’s freedoms is what Memorial Day is really about.

VFW Commander Carl Lama said that when he was younger, Memorial Day celebrations in Newell were a “big deal.”

He said that in the early 1970’s, Memorial Day, which was once recognized on May 30, was changed to be observed on the last Monday in May, in order to give working people a three-day weekend.

“It’s nice to have the three-day holiday, but we don’t do that for all holidays,” said Lama, pointing out that many holidays, such as Christmas, are held on the same date each year. “I think changing it to the last Monday sort of dilutes the purpose. For a lot of people this weekend is nothing more than a three-day weekend that starts off the summer, and that’s all fine, but is that how we really want to spend Memorial Day?”

Lama asked the community to continue remembering the soldiers who gave their lives in the defense of the country, and to try to impress upon their children the real meaning of Memorial Day.

County Commissioner Angela M. Zimmerlink agreed with Lama’s sentiments about the importance of the holiday.

“Too often this weekend is used only to plant flowers and toss burgers on the grill,” Zimmerlink said, adding that she was glad to see so many of the borough’s residents bring their children to attend the event.

“You could be on your back porch but you are here because you understand what is really important,” said Zimmerlink. “Thank you for keeping the education and the remembrance alive for your children.”

State Rep. Deberah Kula, D-North Union Twp., reminded the crowd of the words of George Orwell when he said, “people sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf,” and she said that it is the men and women “who stand as sentinels of liberty” for the United PStates that have given Americans the ability to enjoy freedom.

“For many years, we have relied on individuals to sacrifice their time, energy and their lives to protect liberty,” Kula said. “Military men and women have answered the call time and time again to protect and serve. Many came home to their families; far too many have not.

“The soldiers we honor today put their regular lives on hold. Their families are expected to go on without them, and when tragedy befalls, they must deal with the loss and move on.”

Kula said that veterans who served in past wars, and the younger generation of soldiers who are serving today, all share the same desire to defend freedom.

“It doesn’t matter when or where they served, the duties they performed or what branch of the military they were in, Memorial Day is a time to say ‘thank you,'” said Kula. “To all the veterans in the state of Pennsylvania and across the nation, especially those who never returned home, thank you from the bottom of my heart. God bless you and God bless the United States of America.”

County Commissioner Vincent A. Vicities said he was very impressed with the new memorial that Newell was dedicating that day.

“I think we will forever continue honoring the veterans who fought and died for this country and this memorial helps to reestablish that in this community,” said Vicities. “We have the greatest country in the world and we have the greatest people in the world. Our freedoms are not free. Many people have fought and died to give us the greatest country in the world.”

Mayor Nicki Todaro commended all the people who worked so hard to rebuild the memorial, and thanked everyone for coming to be a part of the celebration.

As part of the dedication, an American Flag, Pennsylvania State Flag, and flags to represent each branch of the armed forces were raised.

Members of the Fayette City American Legion provided the firing squad and played taps to conclude the ceremony.