This year’s Summit Hill grand marshal of the Summit Hill Memorial Day parade has a family heritage that goes as far back as the Civil War.

The Rev. Walter Breiner of Summit Hill, a Navy veteran of the Vietnam War. His great grandfather was at Appomattox when General Robert E. Lee surrendered his forces to end the Civil War.

His grandfather and father served in the military. His son participated in the war on terrorism, serving in Kuwait and Iraq.

He said, “You may saw we gather here in Summit Hill to celebrate Memorial Day. I would prefer to say we commemorate Memorial Day.”

“We remember those today who have fallen on the field of valor,” he said.

He rode in a red convertible during the four-division parade that featured four marching band. The bands were Panther Valley High School, Jim Thorpe High School, Shenandoah High School and the Wind Gap Blue Eagle Drum and Bugle Corps.

Leading the parade was the Summit Hill Police Department, the grand marshal, Summit Hill American Legion Post and Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion.

Summit Hill’s heritage was featured in a newly built Switchback Railroad passenger car, that was taken on the parade route atop a trailer. It will be placed in the yard of Vermillion Dental Office on West Ludlow Street, which had the location of the Original Switchback Station.

This year Summit Hill, Lansford and Coaldale fire departments joined forces as a single marching unit this year. Nearly three dozen firefighters were in the line of march. Fire apparatus from Carbon and Schuylkill counties joined in the parade.

Although the curb was filled with spectators along the entire route, many more watched the parade from porches, windows and even tents on the pavements.

Many participants in the parade tossed candy to youngsters along the route.

The Evans family on White Street provided frozen pops to marchers and spectators. Marie Evans said this is the ninth year the family was doing this. Kira Williams, Jakelyn Cody, Abby Oplinger, Carly Bachert, and Hawley Ascani helped her in the stand.

The parade had several floats, including some decorated in red, white and blue.

The Civil War Unit Co. K 81st PA Volunteers unit shot long rifles at various locations along the parade route. A puffy dinosaur joined the men who were clad in traditional Civil War era uniforms.

Marching units included Little League sports teams, church groups, dancing schools, Scout units and fire departments.

The Nolan Ritchie Staying Afloat Foundation, dedicated to public education and awareness of open water safety, had a red, white and blue float.

The Nolan Ritchie Staying Afloat Foundation was named for a 7-year-old boy who died after an incident in the Lehigh River during which he was swept away by a rapid on June 22, 2012. The organization also provides lifesaving vests to any child.

A small band was on a float by Summit Hill Hootenanny, singing songs and playing music along the parade route.

The American Legion and VFW posts were joined by the Pa. National Guard in Hometown, Schuylkill-Carbon Marine Corp League, Panther Valley Riders, Carbon County Navy Club and Pennsylvania Outdoor Veterans.