Published June 02. 2021 10:37AM
Memorial Day events in Catasauqua follow a well-trodden path, beginning with a service at Fairview Cemetery, West Catasauqua, and ending with a ceremony on the American Legion Post 215 grounds.
Fairview Cemetery is the resting place for veterans spanning the Revolutionary War to today.
The Memorial Day contingent continues its journey with a stop on the Pine Street Bridge, where a wreath is tossed into the Lehigh River in memory and honor of those who served at sea.
The trek then moves to North Catasauqua William J. Albert Memorial Park, 701 Grove St., for a ceremony and then to Gethsemane Cemetery at St. Mary’s Church.
American Legion Post 215 members finish the day by placing a wreath at their memorial, 330 Second St.
As Memorial Day 2021 ends, we continue to remember those who gave their lives in a fight for our freedom.
Because these men and women served, we embrace their spirit, for without their sacrifice, there can be no freedom - and without freedom, there is no American exceptionalism.
To the faceless throngs that fought in battles, raged the mental anguish of war and are only remembered by their family history, the living offer thanks for their honor on this special day.
PRESS PHOTOS BY LINDA ROTHROCK Terry Kranzley, commander of the Catasauqua American Legion Post 215 Honor Guard, bows his head in prayer during Memorial Day services May 31 at Gethsemane Cemetery at St. Mary's Church.
Judy Kisthart and Howard Hahn, past Post 215 commander, prepare to toss a wreath over the Pine Street Bridge in remembrance of veterans who served at sea. This year, the ritual also paid tribute to Dennis Kisthart, Navy veteran and past commander of Post 215, who died in January 2020.
Dick McLaughlin, past commander of the Post 215 Honor Guard, places a wreath at North Catasauqua William J. Albert Memorial Park.
Hahn stands in reverence among the veterans' grave sites at Fairview Cemetery, West Catasauqua.
Joe Vassa Jr., veteran service officer and Post 215 member, lays a wreath on the Post's war memorial at the conclusion of the holiday service.
