With the Memorial Day weekend and the unofficial start of summer quickly approaching, many families are planning trips to the shore or to the mountains or even having a barbecue at home.

Perhaps now is the time to give thought as to why we Americans can do these activities in peace, why we celebrate this holiday.

Memorial Day, the last Monday in May, is set aside to honor U.S. military men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives while serving in the U.S. armed forces.

Originally known as Decoration Day, the federal holiday was observed May 30 until 1970.

The following year, Congress standardized the holiday as Memorial Day.

Many communities honor this nation’s fallen heroes with parades, and veterans groups visit cemeteries to place flags on the graves of deceased veterans.

On May 28, Legion Post 16, Sons of the American Legion Squadron 16 and the Legion Riders will visit and conduct services at several cemeteries in the Northwestern Lehigh County area.

Cemeteries include Williamstown, 8:10 a.m.; Jacksonville, 8:40 a.m.; Memorial Park, New Tripoli, 9:15 a.m.; Heidelberg Church, 9:45 a.m.; Neffs Lutheran Church, 10:15 a.m.; Seventh Street Catholic Church, Slatington, 10:45 a.m.; Fairview Cemetery, Slatington, 11 a.m.; Friedens Church Cemetery, 11:15 a.m.; Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Slatington, 11:45 a.m.; and Slatington Veterans Memorial, 12:05 p.m.

On Memorial Day, May 29, the veterans Memorial Day committee is sponsoring a ceremony 11 a.m. in Ontelaunee Park, Lynn Township.

Guest speakers include five area veterans discussing why they served. There will be patriotic music presented by Northwestern Lehigh students, and the names of 100 local veterans that were engraved on the granite monuments in the park will be honored. Following the program, lunch will be available from food trucks.

Everyone is invited to attend any and all of these events honoring this nation’s heroes.

Remember, without the men and women who gave their all while serving this country, we would not be able to enjoy the freedoms we all too often take for granted.

Deb Palmieri

editor

Parkland Press

Northwestern Press