Memorial Day is fast approaching for a group of volunteers working toward making this year’s celebration one for the ages.

While all of the plans for the 150th observance of Memorial Day in Tamaqua haven’t been finalized, the Tamaqua Remembers Committee received a big boost when Tamaqua Borough Council approved the idea of renaming a borough street in honor of Tamaquans who lost their lives in times of war.

One block of Nescopec Street, near the Tamaqua American Legion, will be officially renamed on May 1 as the monthlong Tamaqua Remembers celebration gets underway with a Night of Honors. The approval was discussed at a committee meeting on Thursday.

The night will include the official renaming of the street, as well as the unveiling of a mural that will be painted on a wall that separates Nescopec Street from Cottage Avenue.

The committee is compiling a list of Tamaqua veterans who were killed in wartime, a list that contains 94 names as of now. The names were compiled from Tamaqua’s war veterans monuments and from newspaper listings from times gone by.

One of those names, that of Martin E. Robinson, has stymied researchers, who cannot find any information other than his name on a newspaper list. They are hoping Robinson has some family in the area who could shed light on his background and service.

Anyone with information on Robinson is asked to contact Eric Zizelmann at 570-668-0390.

The finishing touches are being made to a Tamaqua Remembers website, which will contain the names, biographies and photos where possible, of those men and women who gave their all for their country.

Francesca Gerace of Boyer’s Food Mart was at the meeting to explain a variety of ways Boyer’s can help with fundraising activities. The company has a robust community outreach program and is interested in supporting the committee’s efforts.

In addition to the Night of Honors, other confirmed events and activities include: pallet paint fundraiser at the Tamaqua Community Art Center on Jan. 25; a patriotic wreathmaking class at the art center, 125 Pine St., on Feb. 28; a quilt and afghan raffle; sales of patriotic bunting and bows; a home and business decorating contest; a lecture by Tracy Fisher on May 7; an old-time radio show and Salvation Army banner dedication on May 12; blood drive on May 16; Ralph Peters lecture on May 21; mixer on May 26; firefighters memorial service on May 27; and a parade, service, National Moment of Silence and fireworks on Memorial Day, May 28.

The committee is hoping to line up a few concerts during the month, but those, as well as several other plans, have yet to be finalized. Donations to help defray expenses are being accepted. Checks may be mailed to: Tamaqua Remembers, c/o 125 Pine St., Tamaqua, PA 18252.