EASTON, Pa. – The streets of downtown Easton were buzzing with parade-goers on Memorial Day.
The city hosted its annual Memorial Day Parade and ended with a ceremony that included its sister town across the Delaware River.
“I’m just here for Memorial Day to remember the soldiers,” said 7-year-old Logan.
Remembering, honoring and mourning the fallen service members, as the city filled with residents of all ages.
“I was a teenager during Vietnam War. I didn’t want my big brothers going to war,” said Michele Tanzella of Easton. “And now I’ll cry.”
Longtime resident Tanzella and furry friend Lula have never missed a Memorial Day parade.
“I come {for} my dad, really, because he never missed it. He was a World War II vet,” said Tanzella.
Logan also had the event circled on his calendar.
“I’ve been here a lot. This might {be}, I think, my 15th time,” said Logan.
“This is my first time coming,” said 9-year-old Aurora Sistrunk. “It’s honoring my father, because he was in the Navy.”
For new visitors like Sistrunk and her father Tyrone, waving, cheering and listening to the Easton Area High School and Easton Middle School marching band echo through Northampton Street, leaves a mark.
“God bless our great nation for doing things like this to honor the heroes that have fallen,” said Tyrone Sistrunk.
Community leaders, veterans, and first responders also played their part in the parade that ended at Riverside Park, with a ceremony.
“Seeing all these cool-like trucks and seeing people love America,” said 11-year-old Eliza James.
Phillipsburg, New Jersey leaders crossed the Free Bridge and joined in on a ceremonial tossing of a wreath into the Delaware River, a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps.
The event concludes a weekend of Memorial Day events downtown. Many residents also participated in a 5K run and a community bike ride.
“They gave the greatest sacrifice. We got at least pay our respects,” said Tanzella.