The Rev. James D. Robison Jr. of Good Shepherd United Church of Christ said the first Memorial Day ceremony in Slatedale was held on May 26, 1941, just before the United States entered World War II.

He first attended the service in 1999 and recalled that at that time there were huge trees that provided protection from sun and rain.

“Thank you for honoring those who have given their lives for us,” said Robison. “We have to be conscious of those who gave their lives that we may have freedom.”

Dennis Ziegler of Allen O. Delke Post 16 American Legion, Slatington, said, “Again our nation has assembled to honor its heroic dead.

“A thousand battles of land and sea and air echo the glory of their valiant deeds. Under the quiet sod or beneath the murmuring waves, their bodies sleep in peace.

“But in the destinies of men their souls go marching on.”

After his tribute was finished, the Post rifle squad gave a salute and “Taps” was played by Scott Schaeffer and Jack Ligenza of Northern Lehigh High School.

Victoria Lear sang a solo, “I’ll Fly Away.”

As the heroes did, she sang, “I’ll fly away to God’s celestial shore.”

Robison introduced the speaker, Lunnett Hilliard.

She has been the pastor at Friedens United Church of Christ and before that she taught geometry for 36 years in Bangor.

Her subject was “Memories of the Past and Memories Unknown.”

One of the things that left a lasting impression on her was the “Homefront” magazine sent to military personnel overseas to keep them in touch with home.

“People gather to honor those who gave their lives so we can live free of tyranny,” she said. “I grew up in a small town that believe in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

Every year her hometown has a parade.

“Cars carry the older veterans and dignitaries,” she said. “Flanders Field and the Gettysburg Address are recited.

“My brother and I wanted to be chosen to recite Flanders Field.

It was the words of the poem, a tribute to author Lt. Col. John McCray’s friend who died beside him in Flanders Field that made the desire strong.

“The poem concludes: “If ye break faith with us who die, we shall not sleep though poppies grow in Flanders fields.”

Hilliard’s opportunity was not to come, but her brother was chosen.

“I saw the joy in my father’s face when his son was reading Flanders Field,” He lost two brothers in the war.

“There are so many veterans. To make a difference takes acts of courage. We will never know what it takes.

“Some memories should be forgotten but what will never be forgotten are my father’s and my uncles’ graves.

“My father pointed with his finger and said, ’I went to war so you may speak,’”

Robison said the people in Slatington are planning a veterans’ memorial.

For $50 area residents can have their loved one’s name added to the memorial.