Keith McQuait, commander of the Dolon-Jones-Martino American Legion Post 304, Jim Thorpe, welcomed those attending the ceremonies, reminding everyone of the reason for Memorial Day.

“Today’s the day we pay homage to all those who didn’t come home. Today is not Veterans Day, it is not a celebration. Today is a day of solemn contemplation over the cost of freedom. Freedom isn’t free; it’s paid for with blood and sacrifice.”

The Rev. F. Peter Muhr, pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in the Heights, Jim Thorpe, was the speaker at the service at the Mauch Chunk Cemetery, South Avenue, Jim Thorpe. He spoke of the importance of remembering those who died in service of their country. He referred to a member of his family, his wife’s uncle, who died in World War II, Private First Class Louis Grabar.

“The 39th Infantry North Division was preparing the way for Patton and his advance in North Africa,” Muhr said. “In this phase of conflict during World War II, Private First Class Louis Grabar was killed during combat in Tunisia on April 2, 1943. His remains were never uncovered.”

“Eighty years later, Lewis Graybar is not forgotten by his country. Eighty years later, and forever, Lewis Graybar is certainly not forgotten by his God.”

Muhr also said that there are still 4,737 soldiers from World War II from Pennsylvania still missing; 72,632 from across America.

Members of the Dolon-Jones-Martino American Legion Post 304, Jim Thorpe, and the American Legion Auxiliary, coordinated the services, provided flags and wreaths for the graves and monuments around Jim Thorpe and the surrounding areas, and provided the honor guard and the rifle salutes at the cemeteries. Legion member Bill Diehm played taps at each service.

Services were held at eight area monuments and memorials on Saturday, and eight area cemeteries on Monday.