Fallen soldiers honored throughout Alle-Kiski Valley on Memorial Day
Memorial Day is much more than just parades and picnics.
Some people mark the holiday as the unofficial start of summer, while others remember to pay tribute to those who served in the military.
In Vandergrift, a multi-stop morning of patriotic tributes kicked off around 7:30 a.m. Monday, hosted by The Vandergrift Joint Veterans, including the Vandergrift VFW 566, Vandergrift Veterans Honor Guard and the Vandergrift American Legion Post 114.
Parks Township resident and parks committee volunteer Sherrie Polka attended a wreath tossing ceremony held on the Vandergrift Bridge over the Kiski River.
“It means a lot to me to attend. My father was in the Korean War. It’s about respect,” Polka said. “I wish more people would take the time to come out and pay tribute.”
Mike Reilly, commander of the Vandergrift Honor Guard and an Air Force veteran, organized the seven tributes held in Allegheny Township and Vandergrift.
Each tribute included a prayer, a 21-gun salute and the playing of taps.
Vandergrift Veterans Honor Guard Jerry Frederick plays “Taps” early morning during a Memorial Day tribute held on the Vandergrift Bridge in Parks Township. @VNDNews @TribLIVE pic.twitter.com/lV64iTMxy5
— Joyce Hanz (@hanz_joyce) May 30, 2022
In Parks Township, a wreath honoring military service members lost at sea, was tossed into the Kiski river from the Vandergrift Bridge by American Legion Post Commander Gilbert Hanan.
“We have a very nice turnout, both regular people and the fire departments. We’re going to have a very nice day,” Reilly said.
Leechburg honored its recently deceased Mayor Wayne Dobos with a military flyover at the start of the annual Memorial Day parade.
Dobos, a steadfast supporter and organizer of annual veteran’s tributes in the borough, died March 2.
A proud Vietnam War veteran and Leechburg Area High School alumnus, Dobos hosted dozens of patriotic ceremonies during his tenure.
“I am here to honor him. I knew him for year,” said Marine Vietnam veteran and Gilpin resident Wayne Wofford. “He gave his all to Leechburg.”
Hundreds of spectators lined Market, First, Third and Main streets under hot temps and blue skies to honor the fallen.
Ella Boyd, 10, of Vandergrift , attended with her mother Samantha Boyd, a first responder.
“It means family time and it’s about the soldiers,” said Ella, who hoped to score some parade candy.
For Ella’s mom, Memorial Day is always somber.
“It means honoring those who are never coming back,” Boyd said. “We have a lot of family members in the military and my relative is deployed right now in an undisclosed location in the Middle East.”
Lower Burrell rolled out a huge Memorial Day parade for spectators along Leechburg Road.
Hundreds lined the milelong parade that featured more than 30 fire trucks.
Seneca Strenkowski of Penn Hills said it’s her patriotic duty to attend Memorial Day events.
“It’s important for me to make an effort,” Strenkowski said.
Lower Burrell resident Wendy Koulouris considers the Lower Burrell Memorial Day parade to be an important tradition.
“This is a close-knit community,” said Koulouris of the largest Memorial Day parade held in the Alle-Kiski Valley.
Siblings Bill Pajewski and Mary Arturo, both of Harrison, attended Memorial Day services Monday afternoon at the World War II memorial on Freeport Rd. in Harrison.
Hosted by the American Legion Post 48 of Harrison, the tribute included a wreath dedication, firing squad presentation by the VFW Post 984, Marine Corps League and American Legion Post 48.
“This was our upbringing, appreciating the people that served and died to give us a free country,” Arturo said.
For Pajewski, taking time to remember the fallen hits close to home.
“We do this to honor our dad, Frank Pajewski. He served in the Navy during WWII,” Pajewski said.
Melinda Cattley volunteered as a representative Gold Star Mother during the Memorial Day program held in Brackenridge Park.
She placed white flowers on a cross to honor the parents that have lost children in battle.
“This is heartwarming because of everyone that has fought for us. I want peace,” Cattley said.
The Brackenridge ceremony included a C-17 flyover tribute from the 911th Airlift Wing from the Pittsburgh Air Reserve Station.
Highlands Varsity Marching Band performed four songs, including taps and “Amazing Grace.”
Taps was performed by band students Eddie Ripple and Ian Love.
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com
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