- Last Updated on Tuesday, 24 June 2014 20:29
By Paul Chasko
Memorial Day weekend in the Mon Valley was a busy one for the many veterans groups taking part in ceremonies throughout the area.
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| The Mon Valley Honor Guard at Stone Church Cemetery |
On the Sunday prior, the four cemeteries in the Union-Finley area where many veterans are interred and the Finleyville Veterans Memorial were visited, where wreaths were placed to honor men and women of service.
These memorial services were organized by the American Legion Post 613 of Finleyville, assisted by the Mon Valley Honor Guard. Prior to the Memorial Day weekend, members of the Morrison Ritchey Post 613 of the American Legion and family members honored these men and women by placing new flags on their graves in the Union-Finley area.
Like many other communities, Monongahela began its Memorial Day with a parade through town with many veterans groups participating. Later in the morning there was a well-attended ceremony at the Veterans Memorial in Monongahela Cemetery – over 7,500 veterans are interred here.
The grassy knoll opposite the memorial stage was packed with folks listening to the various dignitaries reminding us of the sacrifices made by our veteran. Representatives of our city, county and state governments were there and listened to patriotic songs done by the Ringgold High School Band and vocal groups. Ceremonies were also conducted at other memorial sites throughout the Mon Valley.
Groups taking part in the parade and ceremonies were the Mon Valley Leathernecks, The Mon Valley Honor Guard, the Mid-Mon Valley Shipmates, the Ringgold High School Marching Band, and American Legion Posts 302, 949 and 613, among others.
Click on "Gallery" to see more phoos by Paul Chasko of these events.
