- Last Updated on Saturday, 02 July 2016 17:29
Under clear skies on May 28 at Mitchell Paige Memorial Park, West Mifflin Borough paid tribute to the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who made the ultimate sacrifice to help defend the freedoms that United States citizens enjoy.
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| Retired Senior Chief Petty Officer and West Mifflin native David G. Jackel delivers the keynote address during the May 28 Memorial Day ceremony at Mitchell Paige Memorial Park. |
Truly a community affair, the event featured participants from the West Mifflin Area High School Air Force JROTC Corps of Cadets, elected community leaders, retired military personnel and West Mifflin Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 914 Intrepid.
Following the presentation of the colors by the West Mifflin Air Force JROTC, the opening song of 'God Bless America' was performed by VFW Post 914 Chaplain Gene Staudt. Reverend Daniel J. Maurer of Saint Thomas A. Becket Roman Catholic Church provided the invocation, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by West Mifflin Cub Scout Pack 31.
West Mifflin Air Force JROTC Cadet Master Sgt. Kiara Plish then sang the National Anthem, and welcoming remarks were made by West Mifflin Borough Council Vice President Dan Davis.
The keynote address was given by retired Senior Chief Petty Officer and West Mifflin native David G. Jackel. Jackel, an active volunteer with the West Mifflin Homeville Number One Volunteer Fire Company, was honorably discharged from the United States Navy in September 2015 after more than 20 years of active service.
After Jackel’s remarks and comments by Pennsylvania State Representative from the 38th Legislative District Bill Kortz, a moving tribute to more the two dozen deceased local veterans was performed by VFW Post 914 Commander Jake Bradich and post Senior Vice Commander Rich Fleischer. Each time Bradich would read the name of a veteran, Fleischer would strike a small ship’s bell that would toll in remembrance of service and sacrifice.
Once the tribute was completed, a rifle salute was rendered by four members of the VFW Post 914 honor guard. Acknowledgements were given by Staudt that included recognizing other local civic leaders in attendance, notably Homestead Mayor Betty Esper and Munhall Mayor and Catholic War Veteran Ray Bodnar. The Rev. Maurer gave the benediction, and the colors were retired by the West Mifflin Air Force JROTC.
