Published June 04. 2015 12:00AM
Bethlehem's annual Memorial Day remembrance began and ended with 93-year-old World War II U.S. Navy veteran LaRohn Deysher performing "Taps." In between, a parade of bands, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, elected officials, a military vehicle and veterans and service related organizations marched the 10 or so blocks from Liberty HS out Linden Street to Memorial Park Cemetery, where those who gave the ultimate sacrifices were honored and remembered.
Mayor Bob Donchez, State Representative Steve Samuelson and Congressman Charlie Dent spoke to the hundreds assembled.
"Let us not take lightly what has been handed down to us," intoned Donchez.
Lehigh Valley Academy students Cydney Hunt, Paige Horvath and Joshua Farrell recited the Gettysburg Address, Flanders Fields and Band of Brothers. The American Legion Band, Bethlehem Catholic HS Band and Broughal MS Band provided a patriotic musical backdrop. Blue Star Mothers laid a wreath in remembrance of those who died in service to the United States and American Legion Post 379 provided a rifle salute.
Officer of the day Ken Nichol presided over the program and thanked the Boy and Girl Scouts in the Bethlehem area who placed flags on the graves of service members at cemeteries throughout Bethlehem.
PRESS PHOTOS BY DANA GRUBB LaRohn Deysher, a 93-year-old World War II musician first class who served on the U.S.S. Pennsylvania, performs in Memorial Park Cemetery during the 'Taps' Over Bethlehem event prior to the parade and service. Deysher also played 'Taps' at the conclusion of the remembrance program.
