Richland American Legion Post 548 pays Memorial Day tribute

From preschoolers to high school students to veterans, the Memorial Day service sponsored by Richland American Legion Post 548 featured a wide age range of participants paying tribute to those who gave their lives for their country.

Youngsters from the RYF Preschool at the Pine-Richland Youth Center led the singing of “God Bless America,” and the Pine-Richland High School Band Ensemble, under the direction of Brian Scott, performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” and other patriotic selections.

Members of the high school’s Air Force JROTC took part in the service, led by retired Master Sgt. Michael Gasparetto, who is retiring as the group’s instructor at the end of the school year. He received the Legion’s Patriot Award.

Another soon-to-be retiree, Richland Township manager Dean Bastianini, was a recipient of the post’s Community Service Award, along with Larry Bracco, who retired as Pine-Richland Youth Center’s executive director in January.

Jennifer Morrison, a 2024 Mars Area High School graduate, was honored as recipient of Post 548’s Ray Schleiden Memorial Scholarship, and Richland EMS was given First Responder Recognition in honor of its 42 years of providing emergency medical services, nonemergency transportation and educational services.

EMS director Russ Scheller joined Northern Tier Regional Police Department Chief John Sicilia and Richland Volunteer Fire Department Lt. Brian Fung to place flowers in honor of first responders.

A final roll call was given for Post 548 members who died in the past year: Frank Doney Jr., Marine Corps; Donald Larva, Air Force; Carmello Moschella, Navy; Robert Purdue, Army; Dr. Frank Ranalli, Navy; James Ryan, Air Force; and R. Thomas Walker, Army.

Members of the Cranberry Men’s Chorus provided further musical accompaniment with renditions of “God Bless the USA” and a medley of Armed Forces anthems. Post Honor Guard bugler Mike Azzara, an Air Force veteran, played “Taps.”

Another veteran of the Air Force, Post Commander Bob Schleiden, served as master of ceremonies for the event, which concluded with a free picnic lunch for guests.

For more information about Richland American Legion Post 548, visit palpost548.org and www.facebook.com/PALPOST548.