SUMMIT HILL, Pa. — Dressed in red, white and blue, people gathered in Ludlow Park in Summit Hill to honor the fallen this Memorial Day.
"We come all the time, every year, because it is part of my heritage and to support our troops," said Betty Wieczorek of Summit Hill.
"Basically, it's very special because it happens once every year," said Carter Klock of Summit Hill.
After a rifle salute and a ring of the Summit Hill high school bell, the Memorial Day parade stepped off, weaving through the streets of the borough. United States Navy Veteran Clem Midas of Summit Hill served as the Grand Marshal.
"It is one of the biggest and best parades; it's been going for such a long time. It's a great honor. The people come out and really enjoy it," said Clem Midas.
Locals tell Newswatch 16 that this tradition reinforces the meaning of the day.
"Our children and grandchildren understand because we taught them that," said Wieczorek
"I don't think I've ever missed a memorial in Summit Hill; I was born and raised here, marched in the high school band, relatives come back, your cousins, aunts, and uncles come back," said Maxine Vermillion of Summit Hill.
More than 60 VFVs, fire companies, and high school bands proudly marched through the borough to honor the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
A sacrifice that veterans like Grand Marshal Midas say will never be forgotten.
"Young men and women make sacrifices for people here to keep us free and safe. If it wasn't for the service men and women, god only knows where we would be," explained Midas
The Memorial Day parade tradition in Summit Hill goes back further than any paradegoer can remember. Organizers say it dates back to at least the 1920s.