Each July 4 for 36 years the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce has sponsored a Heritage Day. Though the thought was to hold them outdoors, on the day of the first celebration it rained. The Rev. James LeVan invited them indoors to use his church, Slatington Baptist, and that tradition has been followed ever since.

American Legion Allen O. Delke Post 16 presented each attendee with a flag.Music was by the Heritage Band and the Northern Lehigh Freedom Chorus. Both combine members from other bands and choruses to make one special group for the Fourth and other occasions. Directors were Brad Cressly and Anna Mary Milot respectively.The opening selections were an "Irish Tune," "His Honor" and "To Gallant Heroes."Master of ceremonies Jason Breidinger from the Chamber of Commerce said the Fourth of July is his favorite holiday. They plan something special followed by spectacular fireworks.But some see it in a different context: To think of those who came before, those who are fighting now and those to come.Members of the Legion posted the colors. A POW/MIA ceremony preceded the placing of the flags. An empty chair was set at a small table with a place setting and condiments for a meal. For everyone the empty chair should be a reminder of the service they provided and the agony of pain for the families while others are having fun, Todd Gnas said.The small table signifies that an MIA/POW is missing. We pay humble tribute to them, said Gnas of the American Legion. They tried to guard our freedom, their sacrifice guards America.Each item on the table has meaning such as the slice of lemon to signify the bitter fate and the candlelight that glitters in our hearts.A flag reminds us that many will never return. The chair is uncovered.The Rev. LeVan gave the invocation. He said it was 239 years in our time since the Declaration of Independence.In prayer he said, "We thank you that we may enter this sanctuary freely. Thank you for the music, volunteers, veterans, employed and the unemployed. Help us to be true in patriotism.""Amber Waves of Grain" was played by the band. The song is based on "America the Beautiful."The band played "You're a Grand Old Flag," which was followed by "A Song of America." The band concluded that section of the program with "Stars and Stripes Forever."A native of Slatington and graduate from its schools, David Altrichter was introduced as the speaker by Breidinger. He was in the Navy and served as mayor of Slatington. He is known as a historian and is a member of Post 16.Altrichter began by saying he came every year to Heritage Day for the music."Hooray for veterans," he said. He saw a group building a veterans' memorial and asked, "Should Slatington build one. The war seems so far away, but that is the best reason to build one."Eleven percent of the population was in the military for World War II, and most of the rest of the population was involved on the homefront. Now 1 percent is in the military."As a veteran we take pride in things. It is the veteran who gave us freedom of religion, the veteran who gives us freedom of the press, and the right to a fair trial," he said.Veterans should stand tall to keep the flag waving. We also give thanks to Nicholas Kern, the founder of Slatington. Altrichter said the Legion distributed 2,006 flags at cemeteries in Slatington and nearby areas. The Legion sponsors Cub and Boy Scout troops 66. In 1909 Samuel Kress' body was brought home from Gettysburg where he was killed. The Indianland Garden Club cleans the memorial and plants flowers in Union Cemetery every year in his honor.Twenty-eight people from Slatington died in war. As the roll call of their names was read, each was memorialized by the ringing of a bell. Bernie Dugan, Legion Commander, filled that honor."These are not just names on a plaque or wall. They had a father, mother, siblings. We will remember them forever. May this country always be one nation under God," he concluded.The Armed Forces salute was played by the band and men who served in the branch of service were asked to stand as the chorus sang the anthems.Breidinger presented a slate plaque to Altrichter.The chorus sang "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and everyone joined in "God Bless America."Tony Gnas came forward and asked for the Legion sergeant-at-arms Mark Rau to cover the MIA/POW chair.