It was a busy day in downtown Tamaqua in observance of the 153rd annual Memorial Day service on Monday.

Residents enjoyed the beautiful weather during the parade festivities, and also at Odd Fellows Cemetery, during a ceremony to reflect and honor our country’s veterans.

Guest speaker Capt. Aimee N. Boylan asked the public to remind all Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day.

“Today, I stand before you to share my unique perspective of Memorial Day, as a woman that grew up in a generation that largely celebrates a culture of me-first, rather than duty, honor and country,” Boylan said.

“I believe that today’s society simply compounds that magnitude of appreciation for selflessness of brave men and women that humbly gave their lives for the sake of our great nation. In today’s society, it is hard to even comprehend the idea of a generation willing to stand in the gap driven by selfless commitment to duty and meet the evil in the world on our behalf without regard to the consequence to defend our individual liberties.”

Boylan is a 2012 graduate of Northern Lehigh High School.

“In 2012, I made the decision to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point - oblivious to the trajectory that my life would soon assume,” Boylan said. “Upon graduation, I was one of the first class of women authorized to commission into the field artillery, which is the combat branch of armed forces. I’d be lying to you if I said it was what I wanted at the time, but standing before you today, I’m a better soldier, woman, wife and mother because of it.”

Boylan served in Kuwait, Iraq and Syria.

“It’s easy to lose perspective in our country today, as growing political partisanship and imperfections within the very fabric of our society tend to stray our attention away from the beauty of our nation, and the freedoms we get to live out each day as citizens of the United States of America. I would ask that today, regardless of your background, race, religion or political affiliation, you take time to marvel in that freedom and you thank the sacrifice of the heroes before us that paid the price on freedom of our behalf.”

Prior to Boylan speaking during the latter moments of the ceremony, grand marshal Robert Boyle was recognized, Poppy Queen Layluh Creitz was introduced and Vicar Dillon Epler offered prayer.

Mayor Nathan Gerace estimated 400 people were at Odd Fellows and was confident that thousands came to support the parade earlier in the day.

“This was one of the best turnouts for the Memorial Day Parade that we’ve seen in a long time,” Gerace said. “I got to talk with the guys from the American Legion Post No. 173, and even they agree. The kids lining the sidewalks - to see the kids out there understanding the value of Memorial Day is one of the most important things. To see that today in full force is really warming.”

Family and friends packed Broad Street for the parade, as first responders, Scout troops, high school band and performers, classic cars and many organizations rolled through town.

St. Jerome’s fourth-grade student A.J. Mummey enjoyed the morning at the parade with his cousins.

“I really liked seeing the men and women in the Army,” Mummey said.