Sgt. Barry J. Getz, U.S. Army retired, will be the Grand Marshal of the 2023 Memorial Day Parade in Freeland on Monday.

Getz served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1977-1981; the U.S. Army Reserve from 1981-82; Army active duty from 1982-83; Army artillery chemical warfare specialist from 1988 to 1999; U.S. Air Force from 2000-2006, and the Army from 2006 to 2009.

His military career took him all over the world, including serving in Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Endeavor.

Getz also received 28 medals, including a Driver’s Badge for rescuing men in his unit from a truck fire.

In civilian life, Getz holds associate degrees in criminal justice and theology. He is also a life member of the 14th Ward Fire Co. in Hazleton, where he has been a volunteer firefighter for more than 40 years. He has also served as an Emergency Medical Technician for 28 years, and holds Act 120 municipal police officers training.

“Memorial Day is a solemn day meant for the real heroes who gave their all,” Getz said. “It is not about a day off for cookouts, It is to pay respect to the memories of the people who gave us our freedom.”

The parade will step off at noon Monday from Freeland American Legion Post 473, and travel down Centre, Carbon, Washington, and Front streets, and disperse at Freeland Public Park.

In the event of inclement weather, ceremonies will be held inside the Freeland Public Park Pavilion.

The day will begin with visits to cemeteries, to the Freeland VFW, and to the monument at the Coxe Mansion in Drifton.