U.S. Army retiree Mario Iezzoni of Summit Hill told people gathered in Ludlow Park Monday about his close friend who was killed in combat in Korea.

He told people he was there after his friend was struck by enemy fire.Iezzoni learned of the invasion of South Korea by North Korean forces in June 1950 while he was a young man, hanging out at Johnny's Bowling Alley in Lansford.En route to Korea, he met an older soldier "who became my best friend."That friend died on April 11, 1951, "in my first combat experience," Iezzoni said.The veteran told his hometown how fortunate he was to escape alive because a sniper targeted him and took numerous shots at him."Thank God, but he missed every shot," he said.There were four casualties.His friend, John Early, was from Connecticut, and he had always wanted to tell that soldier's relatives how he died as a hero.It was with assistance from Summit Hill Mayor Paul McArdle that 59 years later, he was able to track down those relatives in Connecticut.His grandson Patrick Iezzoni, a member of the National Guard, read letters to Mario from that soldier's relatives."Memorial Day is a very important day and one that is close to my heart," Iezzoni told the hundreds attend the Summit Hill ceremony.Marian Catholic High School student John Swerczek read the Gettysburg Address. Lucas Damien, also of Marian, read Logan's General Orders.Marian student Courtney McCall recited "In Flanders Field."The roll call of deceased veterans was presented by Gregory Miller, chaplain of Summit Hill American Legion Post 316.The program was followed by a four-division parade, which took one hour and 20 minutes to pass.Representation in the parade included veterans groups from throughout the Panther Valley area, a dozen area fire departments and many organizations, some with floats decorated for the special holiday.The parade had eight bands, including high school bands from Panther Valley, Jim Thorpe and Marian Catholic.The grand marshal for the parade was Jack Bryant, an 88-year-old World War II Navy veteran. He stood by his wife, Faye, to ring the large, brass bell in Ludlow Park to signal the start of the parade, then rode the parade route in a convertible.Two World War II nurses, Estelle Sverchek, 96, of Lansford, and Betty Chabala, 92, of Summit Hill, rode in another convertible.Bryant led, followed by the Summit Hill American Legion Post color guard. Next was the 54-member Panther Valley marching band, followed by 38 members of the high school's ROTC unit.The Summit Hill Historical Society presented a touching float, depicting a cemetery with white crosses, as a reminder why the parade and festivities were held.Making a lot of noise along the parade route, to the delight of the spectators, was Civil War Unit Co. 81st Pa. Volunteers, a Civil War re-enactment group. The 12 members of the unit stopped frequently and discharged their single-shot long rifles.Parade chairman Thomas Vermillion said, "It's a beautiful day and a great turnout. We have more bands this year and several new groups."He said he was concerned that the disbanding of the annual Stay-at-Home Memorial Day Weekend Festival in the community might hurt parade attendance, but it was obvious it didn't.It was one of the best-attended parades in memory."We appreciate the community support," Vermillion said.