There were gun salutes, prayers, and the raising of the flags.

Unfortunately, absent from this year’s Memorial Day services in Lehighton was the main service in the Upper Park Amphitheater because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Members of the Lehighton United Veterans Organization did all they could to ensure members of our military - those living and deceased - were rightfully recognized on Monday.

The day’s services were meant to give members of our military their just due, according to Kevin long, commander of the Lehighton United Veterans Organization.

“It just breaks my heart not to have the traditional service,” Long said. “We have such great support from our community.”

Long said the UVO paid their respects at all cemeteries and monuments in the area, as rural services were held on Sunday, and then both Lehighton and Weissport on Monday.

“We were going to be here regardless,” he said. “Not having been here would not have been the right thing to do.”

The group then proceeded to American Legion Post 314 for the flag raising ceremony and conclusion of Memorial Day services and honors.

For Brooke Stuckley of Lehighton, observing Memorial Day is a tradition she grew up with.

“It’s just something I would never miss,” Stuckley said. “I’ve been coming here since I was a child.”

Stuckley added, “It just means a lot to me.”

Much as it should to everyone, Long said.

“We will never forget,” he said. “Ever.”