Mercer Memorial Day 500 recognizes those who sacrificed

Eric Poole, The Herald, Sharon, Pa.
·4 min read

May 22—NOTE — Articles published Monday in The Herald and Wednesday in the Allied News contained incorrect information on the Mercer Memorial Day 500 honorees.

Every year, when Aaron Sines participates in putting up the eponymous 500 flags for Mercer's Memorial Day observance, it fills him with gratitude.

"It makes you feel appreciative," said Sines, a Mercer Borough councilman and organizer of the Mercer Memorial Day 500.

This year's Memorial Day observance begins Sunday night and includes recognition of three honorees — Desert Storm Army veteran James A. Gibson, World War II Army veteran Joseph E. Saeler, and World War II Army veteran Frank E. Shaffer.

James A. Gibson

After serving as a helicopter pilot in the first Persian Gulf War, Gibson dealt with PTSD. He found healing by pursuing his passion for riding and caring for horses. Gibson started the Fly High With Horses program at Trails End Conservancy to help other veterans.

He also reached out to help veterans with a wide range of needs including food support and medical assistance. Gibson continued to help his fellow veterans until his unexpected death on Dec. 29.

During his Army service, Gibson rose to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3, and earned the Army Service Ribbon, Army Aviator Badge, Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

Joseph T. Saeler

Serving with the 109th Medical Battalion, Saeler served from Feb. 20, 1943, through Nov. 8, 1945. He received a Silver Star, the U.S. military's third-highest award for combat valor, for service during the Anzio campaign in Italy. Saeler underwent advanced armor training and Ranger training and also saw action in North Africa and Sicily. He received four battle stars, the Purple Heart and Good Conduct Medal.

He went on to serve in the National Guard, based in Grove City from 1957 to 1959, completing his service as a master sergeant. Saeler also began a family tradition of service — son Bill Saeler in the Air Force, son Mick Saeler in the Army and grandson Eric Saeler in the Army's 10th Mountain Division.

Frank E. Shaffer

Serving in the Pacific Theater of World War II, Shaffer served in the 32nd Infantry Division, where he served as a light machine gunner. On Feb. 4, 1944, Shaffer received the Bronze Star, the U.S. military's fourth-highest award for combat valor.

He was 23 upon leaving the Army in May of 1945. During his time in service, Shaffer, who held the rank of private first class, also received the Presidential Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal, and Asiatic Pacific Service Medal.

Observance schedule

The local Memorial Day observance begins Sunday night with a "Salute to Service" concert starting at 6 p.m. at the Hendley Hoge Bandstand outside the courthouse. Locally prominent country performer Chris Higbee will headline the show, with a performance by country-rocker Kevin Dale.

On Memorial Day, events events will start at 8 a.m. with a coffee and doughnut breakfast, with the Jason Michaels Memorial 5K race to begin at 8:30 a.m. Anyone interested in running the race can sign up for $35 at https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Mercer/JasonMichaelsMemorial5k.

Entrants will receive a travel mug and a goodie bag, with medals awarded to the top three overall male and female finishers, and the top three finishers in age categories 19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and over.

The Basement Band will begin its performance at 9 a.m. on the band stage with a range of selection including rock and pop classics, country and religious.

After the race and the music, organizers will hold an honoree ceremony at the bandstand, followed by the annual parade, which starts at 11 a.m..

The day will end after the parade with a service at Mercer Citizens Cemetery.

While the parade and the concert are likely to attract a crowd, Sines said the Mercer Memorial Day 500 is about the 500 flags, and those who sacrificed their youth — and often, their lives — to keep those flags aloft.

"The Mercer Memorial Day 500 embodies Mercer County," Sines said. "We do it for Mercer County and all of those who made the ultimate sacrifice."