Soldiers were compared to angels in the Memorial Day speech at Kennedy Park in Lansford.

The speaker, Maj. Gerald New, quoted West Virginia author Claudia Pemberton, who wrote, “America without her soldiers would be like God without his angels.”

Maj. New, the JROTC instructor at Panther Valley High School, said, “Just like angels who serve God, (soldiers) are always watching over us.”

He said soldiers “stand vigilant for us and will always be there to protect us.”

“The angels are always looking over you,” New said.

He said he believes soldiers who have died in combat continue to be vigilant in watching over us.

“Our angels truly are in our midst every day,” he said. They guide us and protect us.”

The speaker said that although we should pay tribute to those soldiers who gave their lives for us, we should also enjoy Memorial Day.

“Enjoy the cookout. Enjoy the family. Because that’s what the soldier wants,” he said.

A highlight was the placing of the memorial wreath in front of the monument by George “Bucky” Brimmer, a World War II veteran who served at the Battle of the Bulge.

Brimmer is a 74-year member of American Legion Post 123, Lansford.

Brimmer, who got out of a wheelchair and walked to the podium with the assistance of Ian Acciarito, incoming sergeant-at-arms of the Legion, thanked the Legion not only for letting him participate in the program but for hosting it every year.

He also thanked those who attended and gave a special thank you to military members.

Brimmer said, “God bless you all and God bless America.”

Nathan Krajcirik, commander of the Lansford Legion, told the gathering how the membership in the American Legion is changing. He said because there are fewer remaining veterans of the world wars, about a third of the present membership consists of members who fought in the global war on terrorism.

Krajcirik spoke about the banner program in Lansford, where banners honoring military members hang along the borough’s streets. He said to date there have been 170 banners hung in Lansford, but noted it is just a fraction of the number of individuals from the community who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Among those on the banners are the five people for whom the American Legion is named.

Krajcirik, who was in the military and part of the war on terrorism, said despite its problems, he feels America will remain a strong nation.

He quoted author Sebastian Junger, who said, “In times of crisis mankind will band together.”

This was proven after 9/11, Krajcirik said. “After 9/11, patriotism was unlike anything I ever saw in my life.”

The master of ceremonies was Richard D. Pogwist, past commander of the Legion Post.

Angela Nardini of Lansford sang the national anthem.

Panther Valley High School students Erica Tout, Cailyn Gould and Christopher Hoover did readings.

David Padora, second vice commander, gave the roll call of deceased veterans. Since last year, 19 military veterans from Lansford have died.

The invocation and benediction were by Deacon Joseph Cannon of St. Joseph’s of the Panther Valley.