For the first time in 19 years, the Slatedale Cemetery Association had to move its Memorial Day celebration indoors, said the Rev. James Robison Jr.It was held at Good Shepherd United Church of Christ.

He said the rain was fitting. It reminds us that the brave men and women didn't do their military jobs only in sunshine, but in rain or snow or glaring sun. "It is fitting we should be a little inconvenienced," Robison said."We thank God for the ability to join in this celebration."Victoria Lear sang "The Star-Spangled Banner," someone she has done in the celebration since she was a little girl. She is now a junior in a performance charter school."In cemeteries across the country we ask, oh gracious one, as we are gathered we honor those who have fallen. Bless those graves where the flag of the United States waves over them," Robison prayed.Dennis Ziegler, president of the Memorial Day commission of the American Legion Allen O. Delke Post 16 in Slatington, said, "Our nation has assembled to honor its heroic dead. A thousand battles of land and sea and air echo their valiant deeds. Under the quiet sod or beneath the murmuring waves, their bodies sleep in peace. But in the destinies of men, their souls go marching on. Because of them our lives are free. Because of them our nation lives.It was followed by a salute from the rifle squad and the playing of taps by Scott Schaeffer.The combined choir of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Good Shepherd United Church of Christ and St. Peter's United Methodist Church sang "Blades of Grass and Pure White Stones."The Rev. Brian Haas, pastor of Christ United Church of Christ in Walnutport, gave the address. Haas said he was glad that people took time to remember. "People always left memorials for centuries across the world. I don't see cold chunks of marble," he said."These monuments do represent real people from our hometowns, and they do have a duty. Some are volunteers. Some were selected. Some are educated and some are not, but all knew death would be a shadow following them," Hass said."The bravest are those who have a vision but yet they go out to meet it."We may never know the physical and mental things they went through."We are paying them respect due them. They do not ask for medals or rewards. They only ask for respect," he said.President John F. Kennedy said, "A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers."People do tend to forget and that's why we have memorials to jog our memories.Haas referenced the Bible story when Joshua was about to cross the Jordan River. The water stopped. Joshua had 12 stones gathered for the 12 tribes of Israel and built a memorial that was to be to the people of Israel forever."Will we tell our children freedom and liberty have a high price," Haas said. "Let us not forget. Let us remember forever. Those memorials were paid for with a high cost. Let's show all veterans living or dead the respect they deserve."Jesus said greater love has no man than that they lay down their life for another.Not all died. Some came home. Those who served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, Coast Guard and the mothers, the Gold Star mothers, who lost a son or daughter who died in service, were asked to stand.The program ended with the singing of "My Country 'Tis of Thee."