Dozens attended to show their respects at the morning Memorial Day event held in downtown Olyphant.
OLYPHANT, Pa. — The national anthem carries across Willow Avenue in Olyphant as community members and veterans pay tribute to the fallen on Memorial Day.
“A lot of the people have family members that have fallen during combat or deceased in the military, and we want to bring them here to honor them,” said American Legion Post 327 Commander Paul Yakamavich.
American flags wave in the wind as onlookers listen to community leaders thank the brave men and women who gave up their lives for those back home.
“We gather here as a community to honor the brave men and women of our armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in service for our country,” said Mayor Jonathan Sedlak.
And veterans relive the realities of war, which give this day so much meaning.
“For me, Memorial Day is a time to remember the sacrifice of the nation’s heroes,” said the speaker, retired Sgt. Major Claudette Williams. “It is the day that brings back the memories of my fellow soldiers, the missions we carried out, and the experiences we shared.”
That’s why, on this Memorial Day, as the sound of taps echoes through communities across Lackawanna County, the young and old here in Olyphant choose to be grateful.
To those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“Never forget, always honor, always remember, uh, that’s the three most important things,” said Kim Onda Atkinson of Olyphant.