Memorial Day is when we honor those who died while serving.

So were the words spoken by Tech. Sgt. Lacey Timony, who served as guest speaker during Tamaqua's 149th annual Memorial Day service.Held Monday morning inside the Tamaqua Community Art Center, the service lived up to its billing and then some.Timony, a native of Ocean County, New Jersey, and a graduate of Panther Valley High School, served as guest speaker.She has 10 years of active duty, including supervising 55 wounded airmen in the Airman Transition Squadron, and currently serves at the rank of technical sergeant with the 193rd Special Operations Wing, Pennsylvania Air National Guard, Middletown."More than a few local military members have demonstrated exceptional service before self," Timony said.From what she could research, Timony said she found 12 Medal of Honor recipients from Schuylkill County, including Thomas Robinson, born in Ireland and who had lived in Tamaqua, who received a Medal of Honor during the Civil War for capturing a flag in hand-to-hand conflict.She also said there was a Silver Star recipient in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Robert N. Seligman, who was awarded the distinction for gallantry in action against the enemy during World War II.However, Timony said, "Receiving the military's highest honors does not come without a steep price."Timony then cited all of the casualties that resulted from the American Civil War through the Global War on Terror."In conclusion, the meaning of Memorial Day is one of remembrance and quietness," she said. "The holiday began with three women simply placing flowers on loved ones' graves."Timony then concluded with a quote from the commander in chief."Memorial Day is our nation's solemn reminder that freedom is never free. It is a moment of collective reflection on the noble sacrifices of those who gave the last measure of devotion in service of our ideals and in the defense of our nation. On this ceremonious day, we remember the fallen, we pray for a lasting peace among nations, and we honor these guardians of our inalienable rights."The service also honored all deceased veterans, and featured the reading of names of Tamaqua-area veterans who passed away since Memorial Day 2016.Master of ceremonies Eric Zizelmann, of Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home, announced that next year will mark the 150th annual Memorial Day service, and as such, there are plans for a monthlong celebration of the town's patriotism and remembrance.Before the service, the parade formed in the last block of East Broad Street in the area of the former CVS and Maff Motors.The parade's grand marshal was Roy D. Habel of Hometown.Habel is a native of Tamaqua and a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army as a private first class.Other participants included this year's poppy queen, Emily Beltz, a second-grade student at Tamaqua Elementary School and a member of Tamaqua Brownie Troop 30060; the Tamaqua Business and Professional Women's Young Woman of the Year winner, Rebecca Kanaskie, a senior at Tamaqua Area High School; and the Rev. Darryl Kensinger, pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Tamaqua.