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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. In most Valley municipalities, preparations began with the placement of new flags on the graves of Veterans.

The Mon Valley Leathernecks lead off the parade

On Sunday, May 29, the normal visits to the four cemeteries in the Union-Finley area where many veterans are interred began, as usual, at the Stone Church Cemetery, but a torrential downpour with heavy winds forced cancellation of the three other stops on the schedule. One of the Legion members commented that this was the first time in memory that the ceremonies at area cemeteries had to be canceled due to the weather. They tried, though, and a ceremony was held indoors at American Legion Post 613 with flags and members of veterans groups all soaked by the heavy rain. A luncheon served by Post 613 helped take away some of the dampened spirits.

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 Veteran’s Memorial in Monongahela Cemetery – over 7,500 veterans are interred at the Monongahela Cemetery.

The grassy knoll opposite the memorial stage was packed with folks listening to the various dignitaries reminding us of the sacrifices made by the Veterans now interred in their home soil. Representatives of our local, county and state governments were there, and those in attendance listened to patriotic songs done by the Ringgold High School Band and vocalists. Ceremonies were also conducted at other memorial sites throughout the Mon Valley.

Groups taking part in the parade and ceremonies included: the Mon Valley Leathernecks, the Mon Valley Honor Guard, the Mon Valley Shipmates, the Ringgold High School Marching Band, and American Legion Posts 302, 949 and 613.

Click on Gallery to see more photos of this event by Paul Chasko.

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