The inclement weather broke just in time for the annual solemn Memorial Day ceremony held May 25 at Northampton veterans plaza at Washington and 14th streets May 25.

Northampton Joint Veterans Association — Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4714, Catholic War Veterans Post 454 and American Legion Post 353 — works to focus on assisting veterans and their families who sacrificed for our freedom. About 100 citizens attended the ceremony.

VFW Post 4714 Commander Larry Schlittler was the master of ceremonies. Also present were CWV Post 454 Commander Bruce Shellock and Legion Post 353 Commander Eric Spooner.

Schlittler provided his opening remarks that concluded with him addressing attendees and veterans present: “On behalf of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Catholic War Veterans and the American Legion of Northampton, all Northampton residents present, thank you all for your dedicated service.”

Schlittler commanded a sincere robust agenda, which began with the playing of the national anthem by Northampton Area High School’s orchestra. The national anthem was followed by an opening prayer from Father Patrick Lamb, pastor of Queenship of Mary Catholic Church, located at 1324 Newport Ave., Northampton.

Northampton Borough Mayor Anthony Pristash provided an uplifting speech with a grateful theme for the service of veterans who paid the ultimate price for our freedoms. He thanked those in attendance and asked them to be an advocate for veterans to keep their memories alive.

State Rep. Zach Mako, R-183rd, thanked all for attending to honor those who laid down their lives for the nation. He noted they must never be forgotten.

Four beautiful wreaths were placed to honor Northampton’s war dead by all three veterans organizations and Chapman Lodge 637 of North Catasauqua.

Schlittler read a heart-rendering poem called “Daddy’s Day” about a young grade-school girl and her fallen soldier father. The poem read by Schlittler found many in attendance tearing up as the poignant words touched their souls.

After the presentations, the NAHS band played “My Country ’Tis of Thee.” A rifle salute by the honor guard followed, then the playing of taps by bugler Franklin Wolfer.

Bagpiper Gene Kutzler played “Amazing Grace,” which was followed by a closing prayer by Lamb. At the event conclusion, all present were invited to visit Post 353 about a block away from the plaza.

A well-organized, robust program within a solemn heartfelt ceremony, there was reverence for the veterans and their sacrifice and respect for the surviving family members, with some shedding tears. The honors bestowed upon them by Northampton Joint Veterans Association were appreciated by all in attendance.

Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, began in the aftermath of the Civil War as a way to honor fallen Civil War soldiers by decorating their graves with spring flowers. The day evolved over time into a federal holiday honoring all Americans who have died during military service.

On May 5, 1868, Maj. Gen. John A. Logan, leader of the Union veterans’ group Grand Army of the Republic, established Decoration Day. May 30 was chosen because flowers on that day were most likely to be in bloom nationwide. The first large observance was held at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va.