A new, small monument was unveiled at today’s Memorial Day Remembrance, held at 9:00 a.m. this morning.
Under cloudy skies with only a threat of rain, the Memorial Day Ceremony was able to be held outdoors, which made the unveiling more personal to those in attendance.
Upon the new monument rests a WWI plaque that was rededicated, following its relocation from the back of the larger monument to the pedestal monument positioned in front.
The pedestal is engraved with only characters, “WWI” and upon it rests the plaque listing 55 West Easton men who served in that world war.
Today’s ceremony had no band. The Honor Guard that usually attends our ceremony was unable to make it, due to members having personal obligations, so we had no bugler, but it appeared there were a few more residents in attendance than we had in previous years.
Ted Veresink (lt. Col., Army – Ret.), a former West Easton resident now living in Palmer, was the Master of Ceremonies.
West Easton Safety First Volunteer Fire Company handled the flag duties flawlessly.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Eagle Scout and Junior Councilperson, Nathaniel Kober.
Father Daniel Troyan of West Easton’s Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic Church led the benediction.
Addresses to the public were made by (in order):
Robert Freeman, State Representative
Matthew Dees, Council V.P.
Paul James, Council Pres.
Dan DePaul, Mayor
Mayor DePaul and all veterans in attendance at today’s ceremony laid the wreath in front of the monuments.
The ceremony today reinforces our commitment to the men and women who served in past conflicts and those serving in the military today, that West Easton will not forget their own personal sacrifice of leaving family and home, to defend our freedoms and keep America safe. Be it a decade from today, or beyond another hundred years, our community will continue to recognize their sacrifice.
Today, being Memorial Day is a day to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the rest of us. As we enjoy the day off, gathering with friends and family, say a prayer for all the fallen heroes of every war, conflict, or engagement with our enemies, and say a prayer for those serving in harm’s way today.
Disclaimer: On January 4, 2016, the owner of WestEastonPA.com began serving on the West Easton Council following an election. Postings and all content found on this website are the opinions of Matthew A. Dees and may not necessarily represent the opinion of the governing body for The Borough of West Easton.
