Sunday afternoon turned out to be the perfect day for remembrance as members of the Davis-Lawton-Yurko-Breslin-Bevich American Legion Post 316, family members and friends gathered to honor their fallen brethren during a memorial service at the Bloomingdale Cemetery in Summit Hill.

Commander Kevin O'Donnell welcomed everyone in attendance to the service. He then introduced the Rev. Jim Burdess of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Summit Hill, who performed the invocation and benediction; Summit Hill Mayor Paul McArdle, who read the POW/MIA speech; and former Summit Hill resident John Crampsie, who was the keynote speaker.Crampsie, who served in Vietnam, spoke about growing up in Summit Hill and reminisced about the Memorial Day celebrationsHe said he remembered so many of his friends growing up without fathers because they made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country during the war.He then asked that everyone remember those brave men and women who gave their lives so we could live freely today.Following the keynote address, Legion Chaplain Gregory Miller read the role call of deceased veterans who passed away since last Memorial Day.Members of the firing squad then sounded a 21-gun salute. A Panther Valley JROTC member played Taps on the bugle as the American flag was lowered to half-mast in honor of all the heroes who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.Other speakers at the service included Panther Valley High School students, Jerdil Castillo, who read the Gettysburg Address; Jeremy Thomas, who read Logan's General Orders; and Megan Thomas, who read "In Flander's Field."