TUNKHANNOCK, Pa. — The sounds of freedom echoed through Tunkhannock as people lined East Tioga Street for the borough's Memorial Day parade.
"Our grandchildren are here now, and our children were here before that," said Ted Blakeslee of Falls.
The parade stretched as far as the eye could see, lasting longer than an hour, as people and pets enjoyed the patriotic display
"To know where we came from, the American Revolution. We fought- this is what this is about today. To memorialize all those people who fought to keep that," said Meg Ven, Tunkhannock chapter of the Daughter of American Revolution.
For those who served, it was a long-awaited thank you.
"That's good because when a lot of us came home, they didn't care too much for us, I guess," said Gerry Warner, Meshoppen.
For other veterans like Ted Blakeslee, it's a way to keep a legacy alive.
"I appreciate the opportunity to think about my fallen classmates. During Vietnam, they gave their life," said Blakelee.
The youngest onlookers got to learn about what this holiday is all about.
"It's very important to integrate it into our day and in remembrance of why we can celebrate today," said Danielle Plit of Meshoppen.
A salute to service and sacrifice that will never be forgotten.
"So I, and everybody around here, could have a life that they had. They've been gone for a long time, and I think about them often," Blakeslee said.