Lansford American Legion members on Monday proved as defiant toward an invisible enemy - COVID-19 - as military members are to foes while engaged in battle.

Despite the existing pandemic, the Lansford Legion hosted a Memorial Day service on the front lawn of the Legion Post.

Also demonstrating resolve were about 75 spectators who attended the event.

Nathan Krajcirik, Post Commander, told his peers and the onlookers, “Anybody who has been in a military situation knows you adapt and you overcome.”

Krajcirik urged the visitors to observe the banners and memorials in the community and use them as “cause for reflection on all of us.”

“I hope our small and fitting tribute renews our commitment to those who gave their lives,” he said.

He said, “We owe so much more than we can accomplish in one day of observance a year.”

Post member Dave Fedora read the roll call of deceased military members since last year’s Memorial Day. The roll call consisted of a dozen names.

They are: Nicholas Butrie Jr., George Chekansky, Daniel D. Dubosky, Joseph “Jay” Gallagher, Thomas Garrett, Michael Knies, Robert Knittle, Paul Krajcir, George S. Krajnak Sr., William Maynard, Melvine E. McLean and Harvey Shannon.

Also participating was Post Adjutant Richard Pogwist.

The Legion’s firing squad gave a gun salute in front of the Legion, then visited various monuments in the borough and also had firing ceremonies.

Among the sites visited was John F. Kennedy Park along West Patterson Street, where the annual Memorial Day service is usually held and where stands a large monument honoring veterans of all wars.