- Last Updated on Monday, 01 July 2013 00:21
By Paul Chasko
The weekend of May 25-27, 2013 is commonly known by many as “Memorial Day Weekend”. The unofficial kick-off for Summer, and a weekend full of picnics, fireworks, and holiday pay away from work.
The weekend of May 25-27, 2013 is commonly known by many as “Memorial Day Weekend”. The unofficial kick-off for Summer, and a weekend full of picnics, fireworks, and holiday pay away from work.
But more importantly, it is a time to honor our fallen heroes who died to help protect these freedoms that we all enjoy. Communities throughout our area, held a variety of Memorial Day services from parades, speeches, and patriotic songs to rifle salutes and the playing of taps. Two such communities, Monongahela and Finleyville held ceremonies at local cemeteries to pay tribute to our fallen heroes.
Monongahela
 The rifle salute is fired over the Veteran’s graves
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Like many other Mon Valley communities, Monongahela began its Memorial Day with a parade through town. Later in the morning there was a well-attended ceremony at the Veteran’s Memorial in Monongahela Cemetery.
The grassy knoll opposite the memorial stage was packed with folks listening to the various dignitaries reminding us of the sacrifices made by the Veterans now interred in their home soil. Representatives of our City, County and State governments were there and listened as we all did to patriotic songs done by the Ringgold High School Band and vocal groups.
The grassy knoll opposite the memorial stage was packed with folks listening to the various dignitaries reminding us of the sacrifices made by the Veterans now interred in their home soil. Representatives of our City, County and State governments were there and listened as we all did to patriotic songs done by the Ringgold High School Band and vocal groups.
 Luke and Henry Hazen proudly pose for a photo with Veteran Alan Hupchick – a member of the Mon Valley Honor Guard.
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Groups taking part in the ceremony and/or the parade were the Mon Valley Leathernecks, The Mon Valley Honor Guard, the Mon Valley Shipmates, the Ringgold High School Marching Band, and American Legion Posts 302, 949 and 613.
Finleyville
 Rifle Salute at the Stone Church Cemetery
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On Sunday, May 26, a caravan of caring folks led by members of various Veterans’ Groups made its way from St. Francis to Stone Church to Finleyville and finally to Mingo. These are names of four local cemeteries that hold the remains of service men and women who are now at home and at peace. It’s a quiet group of local folks who remember and honor sacrifices made by departed loved ones.
 First Sgt. Clyde Stein (Retired) reflects on his comrades at arms at the Finleyville Veteran's Memorial Site.
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The Mon–Valley Honor Guard carries the colors to each site accompanied by residents who share this duty with countless others across the country on this special weekend. There’s the display of the colors, the memorial reading, placing of a commemorative wreath, the rifle salute and finally the playing of taps. After the services at each of the cemeteries, the service was repeated at the Veterans Memorial at the Finleyville Community Center.
Click on "Gallery" to see more photos by Paul Chasko at these events.
Click on "Gallery" to see more photos by Paul Chasko at these events.
