RIMERSBURG, Armstrong County — Memorial Day weekend will include a special church service on May 28, followed on May 29 with the annual parade.

The Shearer-Shick Post 454 of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7132 will host both events.

On May 28, a Sunday memorial service will start at 3 p.m. at the United Methodist Church.

Veterans are requested to be in front of the church at 2:55 p.m. so they can march into the sanctuary as a group.

The following day, the annual parade is to begin at 9 a.m. starting at the Rimersburg Elementary School. Dalton Himes will serve as commander of the veterans marching in the parade. The Union High School marching band will also participate.

Veterans need not be a member of the American Legion or the VFW to participate in either service.

Guest speaker on Memorial Day will be Burton Kephart from Cranberry, whose son, Spc. Jonathan R. Kephart, 21, was killed in Iraq when his convoy patrol was ambushed in Baghdad. Burton Kephart is a 1966 graduate of Altoona High School. He served three years and two months in the United States Navy and is a Vietnam veteran. He currently works for Lezzer Lumber. He and his wife, Donna, have three other children, Anna, David, and Debra.

Eighth grade students from Union High School will also participate in the program. Brittany Gauger, daughter of Jeff and Robin Gauger, will recite the "Gettysburg Address."

Brooke Pollock, daughter of Jeff and Amy Pollock of Rimersburg, will recite "In Flander's Fields"; and Nichel Stuart will recite "America's Answer." Nichel is the daughter of Dennis and Tina Stuart of Rimersburg.

A special musical selection will be sung by Dana Solida of Rimersburg, and Tom and Andrew Scott of New Bethlehem will play a selection on their bagpipes.

In case of inclement weather, the program will be held at Union High School beginning at 9 a.m.

Any veterans desiring to be a part of the parade but find the march a bit much should call Commander of the Legion, Ed Milliren, at 814-473-6110 and transportation will be arranged to and from the cemetery.

Attending either or both commemorative services will show that we haven't forgotten those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.