CLARION, Pa. (EYT) — Heroes were remembered by the community on Memorial Day at the Clarion Cemetery.
(Above photo by Kyle Yates Photography)
Captain Len Bashline, a retired member of the United States Air National Guard, looked out to the large crowd on hand for the annual Memorial Day services at the Clarion Cemetery.
“I really enjoy seeing all of your faces,” said the Clarion Area graduate, “Seeing all of your bright smiling faces to honor the men and women who have gone before us to make the ultimate sacrifice. What does that mean to you as parents who believe we sacrifice for our children, and in turn, they sacrifice for us in our old days, taking care of us, volunteering time to places of worship, or for political and community organizations?
Photo by Ron Wilshire.
“If we could ask these men and women buried here why they believed it was necessary, what would they say? No matter what the reason, men and women across the nation answered the call.
“There are well over 1,085 veterans in this cemetery represent almost every one of our nation’s conflicts. They are from all our nation’s military branches and services. fathers and sons, husbands and wives, and their descendants are here together. Each American U.S. flag on a grave reminds us about our veterans who gave their all.”
Photo by Kyle Yates Photography
Ken Orsino, commander of American Legion Post 66, was master ceremonies and pastor Harry Hoff of Hope Rising Church led the invocation and benediction.
The Clarion Area High School Band, under the direction of Chris Curry, played the national anthem and taps. The performance also marked the last concert under Curry’s direction following his recent resignation.
Photo by Kyle Yates Photography
The American Legion Auxiliary and VFW presented scholarships and the American Legion honor guard provided the rifle salute. Auxiliary presidents from the American Legion and VFW placed the wreath on the Veterans Memorial.
Photo by Ron Wilshire
The Post 66 American Legion Riders were also present to honor veterans.
Photo by Ron Wilshire
Naval services were held at the Wayne R. Weaver Memorial Bridge at Toby following the cemetery services.
A luncheon was held upstairs at the American Legion at 530 Main St. in Clarion immediately following the Naval Service.
Photos below by Kyle Yates Photography
Services were also held in Strattanville, New Bethlehem, Knox, and other towns throughout Clarion County.
Photos below in Strattanville by Kyle Yates Photography
Photos below in Rimersburg by Dave Cyphert of ProPoint Media Photography
