Following the Tamaqua Memorial Day parade Monday, visitors were treated to a memorial service at the Soldier's Circle in Odd Fellows Cemetery, honoring all deceased veterans.

Starting the service was Master of Ceremonies Jon Zizelmann, who stated his appreciation for those attending.This was followed by the singing of the Star Spangled Banner sung by the assemblage with accompaniment by the Tamaqua Area Raider Marching Band.Invocation was provided by Reverend Kevin Roberts of the Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church in Tamaqua.Reading of Flander's Field was read by Lacey Folweiler, Tamaqua Business and Professional Women's Club Young Woman of the Year.Tamaqua American Legion member and guest speaker Daniel Smith, a veteran of the Vietnam War, provided the address during the program. During his address, Smith, giving his grandmother as an example, expressed the importance of passing on generations of patriotism via family traditions and honoring God and Country. "Growing up, she would tell us (grandkids) to put our hands over our hearts as the flag and veterans passed by," said Smith, who attained the rank of Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps and served with the Second Marine Division from 1972 to 1974.Also on hand during the service were Grand Marshal George "Geo" A. Millet, Poppy Queens Shelby and Ariel Frederickson and members of the Tamaqua American Legion.During the service, a list of local veterans lost since last year's service was read aloud. They were Foster L. Alexander, Wayne C. Arndt, Stephen Bilock, Alfred Borascius, Rachael A. Bubak, Edward A. Bubel, James F. Buccieri, Matthew Bynon, John L. "Butch" Collins, Roy A. Emerich, George Joseph Fisher, Thomas J. Fudge Sr., Paul M. Gerber, Kenneth H. Heisler, William C. Herring, Robert Holmberg, Daniel D. Jones Jr., Christian H. Kaiser Jr., Stanley J. Karnish, Adam J. Kast, Norman L. Krapf, Donald E. Krell Sr., Paul Joseph Kropp Jr., Albert J. Lechleitner, Homer K. Lechleitner, Earl W. Leitzel, SPC Christina Joy Leone, Donald L. "Donny" McLaughlin, Darryl R. Meckes, William F. Meredith, Howard "Howie" F. Miller, Thomas Milot, Larry E. Moore, Joseph Nortavage, Charles John Oakes, Josephine I. O'Callaghan, George A. Pinkey, William L. Price, Richard J. Rutherford, William N. Sabath, Robert E. Schmauch, Robert A. Seyfried, William J. "Bill" Snyder Jr., Oscar M. Sinton, Gordon W. Tonkin, David J. Strmensky, Annie A. Walters, Harold P. Trevorah Jr., Carl L. Yanoshik, John J. Weiner, Charles R. Zellner and Nicholas "Nick" Young."Always encourage emotional acts of patriotism," said Smith. "Patriotism is honoring God and Country."