Korean War veterans were the honorary grand marshals of the Summit Hill Memorial Day parade on Monday.

Six residents who fought in the Korean War rode in the parade route on a military vehicle. Behind the truck was a float with crosses bearing the names of four members of the community who lost their lives in the conflict.

The parade, which contained two high school bands, several marching units of military veterans and firefighters, young athletes, community organizations and emergency apparatus, was listed as a three-division line, although not specifically broken into divisions.

It was a welcome return to spectators for what has become Carbon County’s largest Memorial Day parade, usually constructed of five divisions. Last year’s march was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“It’s great to see the parade again,” said Amy Zelona, who was among the large crowd of spectators that lined the parade route. “It’s nice for the community to honor veterans in such an impressive way.”

Preceding the parade, the Summit Hill American Legion hosted its annual Memorial Day service in Ludlow Park.

Starting parade

The honors for officially starting the parade were bestowed on Korean War veteran Mario Iezzoni, who wore the same uniform he wore when discharged from the military. It was decorated with all sorts of medals and ribbons.

The signal to start the parade is traditionally the ringing of a large bell in Ludlow Park. Ironically, the clapper of the bell was missing so there was no gong.

Iezzoni wasn’t rattled. Instead, he yelled with the tone of a drill sergeant, “The parade will now get underway.”

Despite his age of 88, Iezzoni climbed the outside of the military vehicle himself and onto the bed of the truck, joining his comrades who already were there. He stepped on the outer passenger side step, then onto the gas tank, and made his way over the side of the large truck.

Other Korean veterans who shared the spotlight were Stanley Zuber, 86; his brother Joseph Zuber, 90; John Citrano, 89; Tom Gallagher, 87; and Gene Sommers, 84.

He said it was “an honor” for him and his fellow veterans to be honored as marshals.

One of the four soldiers from Summit Hill who died in the Korean War was George Breslin, a dog handler who Iezzoni said saved his life. It wasn’t until years later that Iezzoni learned this fact.

He said Breslin was guarding Iezzoni’s helicopter on the night he died from a mortar attack.

Also in the parade was a float by the Summit Hill Historical Society which had a large sign listing the names of all the Summit Hill soldiers who died in combat as well as the respective wars.

The Summit Hill Fire Department marched in the parade, with 32 members in line. In addition, there were five pieces of firefighting apparatus by the department.

There were dozens of pieces of emergency apparatus in the parade, including firetrucks, ambulances, rescue units and a water rescue boat.

Impressive in the lineup were scores of youngsters representing Little League Baseball, softball and soccer.

Lieutenant colonel speaksabout wars

The main speaker at the Memorial Day service, sponsored by the Summit Hill American Legion, was retired Lt. Col. John M. McFadden.

McFadden, a native of Summit Hill, is one of the highest ranking commissioned officers to come out of the Panther Valley.

During his military career, McFadden served in numerous countries including permanent change of stations in Germany, Panama, Korea, Venezuela, and numerous temporary duty deployments worldwide.

In 2011, he accepted an offer to join the Foreign Service in the U.S. Department of State, where he served in Kenya, The Hague and Washington, D.C., before retiring in June 2017.

He recalled some of the places he has visited which commemorate the sacrifices made by American service members.

“Gettysburg, just two hours’ drive from here, is the site of the costliest battle in terms of American lives that we’ve ever experienced, with about 51,000 soldiers losing their life during that three-day battle.”

He said the Civil War also gave us Arlington National Cemetery, which “symbolizes the sacrifices made by service members and proves a solemn and reverent reminder of the cost of war.”

“There are now 155 national cemeteries throughout the country, including one in Fort Indiantown Gap,” he said. While in the Netherlands, he said he visited World War I battlefields of southern Belgium and Northeast France.

“The American Cemetery and Memorial (in Normandy) is one of the most somber and inspirational sites an American can visit,” he said.

“It serves as a constant reminder of the sacrifices made by Americans in their effort to liberate France and halt the German war machine.”

He said the Korean War is called the “forgotten war that was never forgotten by the men that fought it.

“It was never forgotten by the families of the 36,000 plus soldiers that died there.”

W. Kevin O’Donnell, commander of the Summit Hill American Legion Post, served as master of ceremonies.

Gregory Miller read the list of veterans who died since last year.

The Gettysburg Address was read by Anton Perilli.

Ava Kosciolek presented Logan’s General Order.

“In Flanders Field” was read by Erika Dubosky.

The Rev. Ruth Christopher offered the invocation and benediction.

Mayor Paul McArdle gave a presentation of the POW/MIAs.

The Panther Valley High School JROTC participated.

A gun salute was sounded by the Honor Guard of the Legion Post.

Tamaqua holds Memorial Day parade and ceremony