Craig Anderton, of Harrison City, right, and Brian Steffey join the 63rd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Civil War re-enactors, during a presentation of the colors at Diamond Park on Monday morning.

Blue Civil War uniforms, “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” and the sound of bagpipes filled Diamond Park as city residents paid tribute Monday to service members who died in the line of duty.

On the solemn holiday, attendees — including those who attend the Memorial Day event annually and those for whom it was their first time — stood silently as members of the American Legion memorialized their fallen comrades.

“This is not a happy holiday,” LeRoy Bunyan, a Navy veteran and the event's organizer, said. “This is a day we honor those who gave the utmost sacrifice.”

Bunyan said he was glad at the turnout — approximately 50 people showed up — in the midst of the pandemic.

“Those brave men and women gave their lives so that we could have the freedom to peaceably assemble,” he said.

A 21-gun salute by a group of men in Union Civil War uniforms who were descendants of the 63rd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry preceded the laying of a wreath at the World War II Memorial, and other Civil War callbacks abounded.

Scott McNeil read General Order No. 11, issued in 1868 by Gen. John A. Logan establishing Memorial Day — then called Decoration Day — as a day for veterans to honor their fallen comrades.

Logan was the third commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, who later served a 20-year postwar political career.Bill Wilson read the Gettysburg Address, President Abraham Lincoln's speech at the dedication of the Gettysburg National Cemetery.Jane Maxwell, of Butler, said she didn't know what to expect at the event, given it was her first year in attendance. Chris Parker, also of Butler, an annual attendee, said he thought it was “very” important to hold the event in the time of stay-at-home orders and social distancing.“It was good,” Parker said. “I'm glad they did it.”While the annual parade was missing from the day, organizers made the most of the gathering on one of the county's first warm, sunny days of the year and the unofficial beginning of summer.McNeil said he was happy the weather cooperated enough to hold the gathering, but added he thought it important enough to have been held even if it had rained.

Members of the 63rd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Civil War re-enactors, stand at attention at Diamond Park on Monday. Although Butler's annual memorial Day parade was canceled, a ceremony was still held to honor service members who have died.