Inclement weather forced yesterday’s Memorial Day services for the Northern Lehigh area indoors, as the community gathered at the Slatington Baptist Church, to pay tribute to the men and women of the U.S. military who gave their lives in pursuit of liberty and freedom.

Andrew Kropf, U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer, was the orator of the day. He spoke about the sacrifice of Airman Joseph Naglak, who served under him on the USS George H.W. Bush. Naglak died during a training accident that Kropf witnessed.

The speaker said he vividly remembers all the servicemen lined up on deck watching as the flag was put on the casket of Airman Naglak, commenting, “So remember this day is not about cookouts and having off from work, but to be thankful that we are able to do these things because of the servicemen ready to give the ultimate sacrifice.”

Slatington Mayor Jeralyn Schoch offered inspiring remarks, saying “It is our duty to honor our heroes to ensure they did not die in vain.”

In her preface, the mayor asked the community to keep in their prayers and thoughts former mayor and current council member Walter Niedermeyer, who passed away Friday following an accident in Palmerton. “He will be missed,” the mayor said of Neidermeyer.

Dennis Ziegler, President of the Allen O. Delke American Legion Post 16, served as master of ceremonies for the program.

He noted in the past few days preceding the holiday, the veterans “honored all of the fallen who made the ultimate sacrifice” by putting 2,572 American flags on the graves of veterans on cemeteries in the Northern Lehigh area.

Meanwhile, Mayor Schoch said the holiday was a time to remember the “achievements, courage and dedication” of veterans, and to “say thank you (to them) for their sacrifices.”

She noted, “The service members we honor came from all walks of life, but they all share the same fundamental qualities, courage, pride, determination, selflessness, dedication to duty and integrity. They rose to the nation’s call to protect a nation which has given so much to us.”

The mayor continued, “Millions have fought and died on battlefield here and abroad to defend our way of life. Today our troops continue to make the ultimate sacrifices. They follow in the footsteps of generations of fine Americans. We have many heroes who also join us today and those who are with us in spirit. We stand in the midst of patriots and the family and friends of those who nobly service.”

Post 16 Commander Ron Humanick reminded those in attendance of the origin of Memorial Day. He said, “It began as a way to honor soldiers who died from their towns and communities and to decorate and visit the graves of the fallen with flowers. It first started after the American Civil War which claimed the lives of the most U.S. military personnel in history.”

He called upon the citizens to “renew our loyalty to our country and flag.”

Pastor Wally Frisch of Ebenezer U.C.C., New Tripoli, talked about the Empty Chair, a symbol of the POW-MIA soldiers, and taking care of any remains still found of soldiers.

Prior to the service, the veterans visited soldiers’ graves at the Catholic cemetery on Washington Street and the Slatedale and Fairview cemeteries, while also throwing flower petals into the Trout Creek from its covered bridge on North Seventh Street.

On Sunday, they visited graves at the Williamstown, Jacksonville, Neffs, Heidelberg, Union, Friedens, Presbyterian cemeteries as well as visiting the Memorial Park in New Tripoli, Allen O. Delke’s grave in Union Cemetery, and the Veterans Memorial and Seventh Street Catholic church in Slatington.