Theodore Steinbrecher, director of the Northern Lehigh Community Band, said the first song in the prelude was played "in honor of those who were and those who are serving the country."

The name of the song at the recent Heritage Day celebration at Slatington Baptist Church was "Gallant Heroes."

This song was followed by the "Liberty Bell March" and "Stars and Stripes Forever."

Many of the hymnal racks sprouted flags as members of Allen O. Delke, American Legion Post 16, Slatington, presented flags to guests as they entered the church.

Master of Ceremonies Jason Breidinger gave the welcome on behalf of the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce. He asked people to keep in mind those who have served to make our community better.

The Rev. James LeVan during the invocation said it is only fitting the day was dedicated to those who serve.

It was a hot summer day on July 4, 1776, as the men in Philadelphia made their commitment to freedom. It is 150 years since the Civil War and he told God, "We are sorry for the misunderstanding that led to the Civil War.

"Help us to live, love and serve together. We pray God bless America."

The band played "Amber Waves of Grain," a version of "America the Beautiful," and "His Honor."

The Northern Lehigh Community Chorus, directed by Anna Mary Milot, sang "George M. Cohen Patriotic Fantasy" and "An American Anthem."

George Duell Jr. was introduced as the U.S. Army Reserve Ambassador and speaker for the day.

He represents Chief of the U.S. Army Reserve Lt. Col. Jeffrey W. Talley, in Pennsylvania.

He attended Kutztown, Temple and Lehigh universities. In his military career, he attended the Command and General Staff College, Industrial College of the Armed Forces and National Defense University.

He was a principal at Palmerton Area High School.

Breidinger said Duell made the Heritage Day a priority.

"We pause and remember those who have gone before," Duell said. "We are truly a great nation and are thankful for those who made the sacrifice."

Duell explained the United States has regular Army and Army Reserve under federal control, and the National Guard under the states' control, except in times of a call-up.

"This is Independence Day," Duell said. "Our Army had a lot to do with creating an independence day."

The military has been all-volunteer for 40 years with people going forth to serve their country, he said. All services are at 100 percent of strength.

The Army Reserve in Pennsylvania has 9,000 people and contributes $245 million to the commonwealth's economy through purchases and wages.

Duell quoted a few men from history such as Dwight David Eisenhower who said, "Freedom has its life in the heart and must be daily refreshed," and "They who will give up liberty for safety deserve neither liberty nor safety," by Benjamin Franklin.

Duell talked about the seven values of the military which are also the seven American values.

The first was loyalty - true faith and allegiance.

"We are all devoted to someone or something," Duell said.

Duty: to fill obligations to do what is right.

"We have obligations to family, employers, community and church," he said.

Respect: being treated like we would like to be treated.

There are two kinds of respect: basic for respect to each other and self-respect from knowing what we do is right, Duell explained.

Selfless service: They are there not for self but for the nation, to go in harm's way if necessary.

"We should help the needy, help those who need care," Duell said.

Honor: Honoring commitments becomes a matter of life.

"Those things that are right and proper we stand up for," he said.

Integrity: what's right and morally upstanding.

"Isn't that what we want to be" Duell asked. "Here in society it affects what we do with friends and family."

Personal courage: we instill this.

"It is something you must face up to," he said. "We hear over and over the acts of bravery. As civilians we must stand up for what's right.

"Ask if we always live up to these seven core values. You'll make America a better place. It's our heritage, our legacy, our challenge."

Duell said an example is Kevin Schmidt, president of the Chamber of Commerce, who was given a plaque to sign in support of the military and a patriot's pin to wear to show his commitment.

The military anthems were sung as representatives from the particular branch of service or their families stood for recognition.

The reverend's benediction was preceded by the Athenian oath.

Respect for the military is not new, he said. Athens' pledge of allegiance was found on a fourth century stele in Greece.