Despite the uncertainty of an overcast morning, Bethlehem’s Memorial Day parade and remembrance service in Memorial Park Cemetery returned outdoors to honor those who paid for freedom and liberty with their lives.

United Veterans of Bethlehem president Ken Nichol conducted the service which featured patriotic messages from Mayor Bob Donchez, Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure and Pennsylvania state Representative Steve Samuelson.

The Broughal MS Rocket, Bethlehem Catholic Golden Hawk and American Legion bands provided musical selections and St. Anne’s Catholic School students Emma Smith, Charlie Carson and Adriana Diaz read the “Gettysburg Address,” “Flanders Field” and “Band of Brothers.”

Gold and Blue Star Mothers presented a commemorative wreath with a rifle salute by the Harry F. W. Johnson American Legion post and performance of “Taps” by Ralph Brodt III closing the service.

“Today we pay our deepest respect and admiration to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice,” intoned Donchez when he addressed the assembly.