Memorial Day observances planned for Sharpsville

David L. Dye, The Herald, Sharon, Pa.
·2 min read

May 23—SHARPSVILLE — A parade and memorial service are planned this Memorial Day to honor those from Sharpsville who served.

The parade and service, hosted by the Sharpsville VFW and American Legion, will begin at 9 a.m. Monday at the Sharpsville Plaza.

The parade will move along Shenango Street, south on Mercer Avenue to Line Street, and east on Line Street to Riverside Cemetery, Borough Manager Ken Robertson said.

The ceremony at Riverside Cemetery will feature the National Anthem, performed by the Sharpsville Blue Devil Marching Band. The band will also perform "You're a Grand Old Flag" and "My Country, 'Tis of Thee."

Pastor David Searle of South Pymatuning Community Church will give the invocation, with Councilman Chris Combine reading Gen. John Logan's Orders, which established what became Memorial Day.

Alyssa Kaliney will read Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, followed by Robertson as the ceremony's speaker.

Pastor Chris Massey of Family Life Church will provide the address, and there will be a reading of the names of veterans who were buried in the cemetery from May 27, 2023, to May 27.

Toni Brenick of the VFW Auxiliary Post 6404, will perform the wreath laying, and Nolan Lapikas and Alexandria Marchetto will sing "God Bless America." Pat Campoli will read "A Lonely Day in May."

An honor guard consisting of members of the American Legion Post 162, Sons of the American Legion Post 162, and VFW Post 6404, will perform a rifle salute, with the rolling of drums performed by the band.

Isabella Buell will perform Taps, with Gregg Marsteller providing the echo.

Robertson said the Sharpsville Boy Scout Troop 45 deserved special acknowledgement for their care and preparation of the cemetery.

This year's parade and ceremony will mark the 142nd Memorial Day — originally known as Decoration Day — observance held in Sharpsville since 1882.

At the time, observances were coordinated by the Grand Army of the Republic Veterans, Sharpsville Post 234, Robertson said.

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