The military tradition of presenting the colors dates to the early days of the country. It is deeply rooted in tradition and history.

To mark this year’s Memorial Day, Lehigh County Commissioners extended an invitation to Louis E. Dieruff High School’s Air Force Junior ROTCs C/SM Sgt. Jesus Hernandez, C/2nd Lt. Corie Reid, C/Technical Sgt. George Ramirez and C/Technical Sgt. Keysha Vazquez to present the colors at the start of the May 22 meeting.

Moments before entering the public hearing room, the Air Force Cadets talked with The Press about the significance of the commissioners’ invitation.

“It feels amazing. We found out Monday (May 20). We practiced hard to accomplish this event,” Reid explained.

The cadets won 23 trophies this academic year in various competitions. They also work hard to promote the benefits of an Air Force Cadet.

Fellow Cadet C/2nd Lt. Angel Garcia said getting the word out on the benefits of this program is important and they hope to peak the interest of others to join.

Their sense of responsibility, promptness and their academic record were the key factors in being selected out of 70 cadets of their high school to present in front of the board.

After presenting the colors, Lehigh County Commissioners Chair Geoff Brace said, “We have a lot of reasons to be proud of them this evening.”

Lehigh County Director of Veterans Affairs Thomas Applebach, himself a veteran of 21 years of service, highlighted the importance of Memorial Day.

In addressing the board, he spoke about the brotherhood of those who put their lives on the line for freedom.

“It doesn’t matter where you’re from or who you are or religion, especially when it comes to combat. I got your back, you got mine.”

Applebach spoke of the B29’s visit to Allentown, saying it made him reflect on “How many more names are not on memorials around the country because of what happened in August 1945?”

Holding back tears, Applebach told the story of three of his friends lost in action and the importance of remembering what they gave their lives for.

“We as citizens owe a debt to all of our service members.”

He ended by quoting George Elliott, “Our dead are never dead to us, until they are forgotten. Let’s never forget.”