Memorial Day is not just a time for celebrations, it's a day to remember those past and present who served their country.

And for 147 times, Tamaqua has taken time to honor those servicemen and women in fine style, beginning with a parade that spans the borough and ending with services at Soldiers' Circle, Odd Fellows Cemetery."How do we instill the tradition (of honoring servicemen and women)?" asked guest speaker Tonia (Stahl) Barron.Barron is a Tamaqua native and veteran of the U.S. Army and Pennsylvania Army National Guard, who retired as a sergeant first class in 2014 after 23 years of service. "We must tell and retell the stories of those heroes to keep their sacrifices alive."Grand Marshal John Carl Hafer Sr., a World War II veteran, U.S. Navy, Seaman 1st Class, Specialist T, accompanied by Tamaqua Mayor Chris Morrison, laid a memorial wreath at the soldier's monument. In 2010, Hafer placed a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery.The parade and memorial service participants included Poppy Queen Ava Murray, Schuylkill County Dairy Princess Hannah Miller, Zion Lutheran Church Vicar Cindy White, master of ceremonies Eric Zizelmann, and Tamaqua Business and Professional Women's Club Young Women of the Year, Jillian Franko and Rachel Keich. The marching bands of Tamaqua Area High School and Marian Catholic High School took part in the parade; the Tamaqua high school band played patriotic selections during the memorial service.