Ceremonies honor nation’s war dead
The American Flag waved proudly throughout Fayette County Monday as numerous ceremonies were held in observance of Memorial Day. “We are here today to pay tribute and express our reverence to the memories of our departed comrades of all the wars we have fought,” said Lou Giachetti, commander of the United War Veterans Association of Uniontown.
Giachetti was one of a number of people to speak at the United War Veterans Association’s annual Memorial ceremony held at Sylvan Heights Cemetery in Uniontown.
Uniontown Councilman Bob Cerjanec said on behalf of Uniontown Mayor James R. Sileo, that we are here to remind the community and to all veterans that were called to serve our country that we will remember and give thanks for the ultimate price and sacrifices made by all Americans.
“Today is an important day to set aside to remember our heroic brothers and sisters who gave their lives for freedom,” Cerjanec said. “These young men and women with their future ahead of them unselfishly gave their lives for freedom, freedom for you and me so that we may live in peace.”
Jim Smith, past regional president northeast of the Fleet Reserve Association, conducted the actual Memorial Day ceremony with military re-enactors placing a fallen soldier’s rifle, helmet, combat boots and dog tags at the temporary resting place of the soldier on the battlefield.
“Modern memorial day ceremonies prove the bond formed in military service spans generations,” Smith said. “A tradition, which dates back more than 150 years, continues to bring veterans and families together. The tradition: decorating the graves of America’s veterans, known now as Memorial Day.”
A tolling of the bell was also performed. According to Smith, it is a roll call of the all of the casualties of war combined and executes a ritual that contributes to and shows the bond that exists between all veterans.
The bell rang 16 times in honor of all of the fallen veterans of American conflicts dating from the American Revolution through the present day Iraq War. In all, more than 1.2 million soldiers have lost their lives in battle.
“I hope everyone continues to remember our fallen comrades and those serving overseas,” Giachetti said. “Freedom is not free – if you have your freedom, thank a veteran and shake his hand, he deserves it.”
American Gold Star Mother Deborah Hull, mother of Army Reserve Spc. Eric R. Hull, a Uniontown native who was killed by a land mine in Iraq, placed a memorial wreath at the fallen soldier memorial site. In addition, Lou Kaputa recited the Gettysburg Address, and the Army Jr. ROTC, Colonial Battalion Albert Gallatin High School, presented the colors.
The ceremony continued to the corner of West Main and Fayette streets in Uniontown at the Dough Boy statue where the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 47 conducted additional honors.
“This monument depicts World War I, but it represents all wars,” said Pete Porecca, commander of VFW Post 47. “Wherever the body of a comrade lies, the underground is hallowed. The purpose here is a solid commemoration for all those who showed their devotion to duty, courage and patriotism,” Porecca said.
“Our flag still flies over a land of free people,” he added.
The VFW Post 47 Band, under bandleader Frank Ricco, Jr. participated in both ceremonies and played the National Anthem and a variety of other songs. Commanders of VFW Post 47 laid memorial flowers and a wreath at the foot of the statue in remembrance and honor of those who have died in combat. Members of the band also played taps and there was a firing squad salute.
“These are people with the same hopes, dreams and ambitions, and when called upon put aside their personal interests and answered a higher calling,” Porecca said. In dying for our country, they passed onto us a legacy of liberty and freedom and a commitment for us to preserve what they died for.”
Porecca added that the ceremony honors those who served in all wars.
“They are great, great heroes.”
Elsewhere in Fayette County were other celebrations.
In Perryopolis and Perry Township, VFW Gold Star Post 7023 and American Legion Post 752 conducted services at Frazier High School Auditorium with the Frazier High School/Middle School Band performing the National Anthem. Charles H. Prince, a past state commander of the Pennsylvania Veterans of Foreign Wars, was the keynote speaker. He is a veteran of both WW II and the Korean War, and was witness to the peace treaty with Japan that ended WWII.
Boy Scout Troop 625, Junior Troop 4078 and Cub Scout Pack 625 also participated.