After taking a two-year break during the covid-19 pandemic, Freeport will present its annual veterans memorial service at 10 a.m. Monday at the veterans monument in Freeport’s Riverside Park.

A longtime tradition, Freeport’s Memorial Day observation will not include a parade this year, Freeport Mayor James Swartz, Jr. said.

Since Freeport Area School District classes will be over, the full marching band won’t be available, said Swartz, who is organizing the event, along with the borough. Freeport Area band members, its choir and other students, however, will participate in Monday’s ceremony, he said.

The borough is continuing the memorial service to honor all veterans and those who sacrificed their lives for our country, Swartz said.

“It’s one day out of the year people can show up and respect them,” he said. “We do get a nice crowd for it, with 200 to 300 people. The Riverside Park is filled.”

The service will include free small flags for the public, speakers and a rifle unit with the Freeport VFW Post 6648, which will present a 21-gun salute.

Vietnam War veteran John Hayden of Buffalo Township will deliver an address about his service and thoughts on the importance of veterans and their contributions.

Hayden, 75, was a combat commander in Vietnam for the Army for 13 months in 1969 and 1970.

When he returned home after his Army service, his commander told him not to wear his uniform in the airport because people would spit on him, he said.

Nonetheless, Hayden said he was glad he served.

“The issue with the political involvement is we were there to win,” he said. “From my perspective, the politicians wouldn’t let us win. We were there to fight communism.

“My main thing is the service to our country. It’s not an obligation — it’s an honor. We’re the greatest country, and if you go somewhere, and if you are a soldier, people look up to the United States as the greatest country in the world.”

Hayden added that he and other veterans served in the interests of democracy.

“Not our democracy; we are already free,” he said. “But we served so others can be free.”

Hayden is a big supporter of displaying the American flag. He wishes other people would show the same spirit. “If you don’t normally fly the American flag, put it out for Memorial Day to honor those who fought for your country.”

Memorial bricks for veterans are still available for installation in Freeport’s veterans monument. The cost is $40. There are now close to 1,000 memorial bricks, Swartz said.

The proceeds are used for the memorial’s maintenance. To buy a brick, contact the Freeport Area Library at 724-295-3616.

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