The day dawned bright as veterans gave homage to those who gave the supreme sacrifice to serve their country. Catasauqua American Legion Post 215 celebrated Memorial Day with a traveling ceremony May 30.

The Legion’s motorcycle motorcade gave a salute at every cross street as the procession moved to up the hill ridge to Fairview Cemetery, West Catasauqua.

Larry Rothrock, legionnaire, U.S. Army combat veteran and sergeant-of-arms, presented the colors and led the gun salute.

Dick Deibert played the bugle.

The taps bugle melody was compromised by Gen. Daniel Butterfield after a harrowing battle around Richmond lasting seven days. The general wanted a distinctive call to end the day. It was first called by Pvt. Oliver Wilcox Norton. The melody quickly traveled through the Army and even caught on with the Confederates.

Taps was used for the first time in a military funeral for a Union cannoneer killed in action.

After Fairview Cemetery, the Post 215 members moved to the Pine Street Bridge for the seamen’s memorial service to remember those who served in the Navy. David “Wire” Smith dropped a flower bouquet into the swirling waters. The Catasauqua senior group donated the bouquet.

Dick Fink gave the chaplain’s prayers during the services.

Craig Neetz, U.S. Army veteran, presented a wreath to memorialize those who perished from North Catasauqua at the borough’s veterans memorial.

Bugler Ralph Brodt, U.S. Marine veteran, and his family were there to honor those at St. Mary’s Cemetery as he performed taps. John O’Connell, Army veteran, presented the wreath to those interred at St. Mary’s.

After the motorcade, there was a service for all the fallen comrades in arms at the Post, 330 Second St. Mike Lake, U.S. Marine veteran, presented the wreath at that location.

After the memorial services, there was a luncheon at the Post hosted by Judy Kisthart and Ann Schubert and their staff.