The crowd attending Coaldale's Memorial Day ceremony went quiet as solemn children unfurled a banner composed of the names of the 6,809 Americans who have died so far in the global war on terrorism.

The banner, made of 200 pages of paper, each bearing about 35 names, stretched almost the entire block."Each hero lost represents a son, a daughter, a father, a mother a brother, a sister, a friend," said U.S. Marine Corps veteran Andrew Leibenguth.Leibenguth was the keynote speaker at Coaldale's two ceremonies, one held in the Seek section and the other in front of the Veterans and Women's Memorial Garden, next to borough hall on Third Street."Every Memorial Day we are reminded of the sacrifices made by those who have fought to preserve our freedom and keep us safe," he said. "Many people visit cemeteries and memorial services. Some place American flags on the graves of veterans."War has taken a heavy toll on American service members.Leibenguth said the loss totaled more than 1.3 million in the country's five wars over its 238-year history, from the Civil War through the war on terrorism. The names of the fallen, he said, were read aloud for the first time Saturday at a ceremony at the National Mall in Washington, D.C."I want to put that number into perspective," Leibenguth said.He beckoned, and the children, joined by at least one borough police officer and some members of the audience, silently carried the banner from East Howard Avenue, almost to East Phillips Street.Leading up to Leibenguth's brief but visually powerful presentation, Alyssa Cruz recited "In Flanders Fields," Noah Easterly recited Logan's General Orders, and Korean War veteran William Gaddes of Nesquehoning recited Lincoln's Gettysburg Address from memory.The Panther Valley Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps provided a color guard, taps, and rifle squad, and the school district's band played a medley of military songs.An honor guard of American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and United Veterans' Organization members, which sponsored the programs Sunday, stood at attention.James Rickert, commander of the Coaldale American Legion Post 170, reminded the audience to never forget the sacrifices made by those who gave their lives in service.The ceremonies opened with prayers offered by the Rev. Wayne Benack, and welcome remarks by Mayor Richard Kellner.Janet Kupec read a list of those veterans who have died since last Memorial Day. Traditionally, the list is read by retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant Nick Paraschak, 93. However, Paraschak's ill health prevented him from participating in this year's ceremonies.