'Time to remember those who served'
CRANBERRY TWP — A Sunday celebration in the township refocused the community on the meaning of Memorial Day.
“We're happy to be back, and the community is happy to be back,” said Rex Brown, chairman of the Veterans Memorial Committee.
After a virtual stint last year, the ceremony resumed in person at its rightful place at the Veterans Memorial in North Boundary Park.
Color guard members from the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 879 and a rifle squad from the Marine Corps Detachment 882 circled the memorial.
Many traditions, including prayers and moments of silence, were shared.
Kevin Engelhard, of Mars, said he brings his family every year so they can see how fallen soldiers and veterans are traditionally honored during the holiday.
“It's very important to show Emily and Zach the different branches of the military, the 21-gun salute, the doves and the wreathes,” he said.
“We want them to see the significance of those traditions.”
After the event, many stopped to greet and compliment the ceremony's guest speaker too.
Chaplain (Capt.) Andrew Double spoke before the crowd on the meaning of the national holiday.
“You have made a decision to be here, so I commend you and thank you for that,” Double told the crowd. “As we gather, I challenge you to remember what it is we are gathering here today to celebrate.”
Double is an Evans City native who graduated in 2012 from Seneca Valley High School. He hopes to be an active-duty chaplain sometime next year, but first, he must gain some civilian experience and serves as associate pastor at St. Peter's Reform Church in Zelienople.
“To be able to speak today, for myself, there's no greater honor,” he said.
Double said he enjoys working with both active soldiers and those who have returned and need direction. He has listened to many soldiers and their stories, and he can't help but be passionate about assisting them.
“For us, the least we can do is celebrate and honor them at events like this,” he said.
Brown said Memorial Day was established more than 150 years ago, and Cranberry Township has now had its own tradition since 1999.
“Memorial Day is about taking the time to remember those who served and paid the ultimate sacrifice, as well as those who returned and went on to live quiet lives before they passed on,” Brown said.
