The Summit Hill community observed Memorial Day with a service in Ludlow Park and a roll call of deceased veterans.

Following the service parade grand marshal John "Skeeter" Rutch, 83, a Korean War veteran, kicked off the four-division parade with the ringing of the memorial bell in Ludlow Park."I am 83 years of age and I can still say I am glad to be an American," Rutch said.Dr. James Bonner, a 1965 graduate of Marian High School and an Army veteran who lives in York, spoke in Ludlow Park."On this Memorial Day, let's remember that (our veterans) didn't lose their lives for their country, they gave their lives to their country and our country needs to be forever grateful for their gift."Bonner recalled the happiness, as well of the sadness, that happened in his family at the end of World War II.He said on Aug. 6, 1945, the same day that the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, his grandmother, Agnes Bonner, wrote a letter to her daughter Gertrude.Agnes didn't know about the bomb, but the war was drawing to a close and five of her six sons were serving in the armed forces.It was the "best of times because she was waiting for the discharge of her son Patrick who had served as a bomber pilot and had flown 36 missions over Germany," he said.The speaker said that for his grandmother, "It was also the worst of times because, as she wrote that letter, she did not know the fate of her son, Bobby. He, too, was in the Air Force serving as a tail gunner in a B-29 flying bombing missions over Japan."Bobby Bonner was listed as missing in action after his plane was brought down by a kamikaze pilot.At a family gathering in June 1946, Agnes wrote in a letter, "We're all here but poor Bobby. I can't believe he's dead."She wrote, "I always had hopes that he would come back."She concluded, "I only hope he is happier than he was here, for this world is nothing but trouble.""On this Memorial Day, we should remember not only those who served like Patrick and Bobby, but especially all of those like Agnes Bonner who provided support, comfort, encouragement and prayers to the millions of sons and daughters, family and friends, who have answered the call to duty in all conflicts," he said.Marian Catholic High School students Robert Middleton read the Gettysburg Address, Michael Witczak recited Logan's General Orders, and Shauna McArdle read "In Flanders Field."Panther Valley High School student Kiley Boswell sang "The Star-Spangled Banner."The Northeast Variety Band, Panther Valley Middle School Band, and high school bands from Panther Valley, Jim Thorpe and Marian Catholic joined the veterans and social groups in the annual parade.In addition to floats, marching groups included the Anthracite Little League Baseball members, members of the Schuylkill Carbon Marine Corps League, Panther Valley High School JROTC, the Civil War Unit Co. 81st PA Volunteers and large horses pulling a Heisler's Milk Wagon and a Yuengling Beer Wagon.