Summit Hill’s Memorial Day service on Monday had something special.

The main speaker was 101-year-old Cornelius “Cornie” McHugh, one of only a few local World War II veterans still surviving.

McHugh was unable to give a traditional Memorial Day speech but instead related stories when asked questions or shown photos from the past.

The questions were asked by Summit Hill Mayor Jeffrey Szczecina. Standing behind McHugh, who sat on a padded chair, were members of the Carbon-Schuylkill Marine Corps League. McHugh is a founding member of the local Marine Corps League chapter.

Several hundred people attended the service held under sunny skies and warm temperatures in Ludlow Park.

McHugh, a native of Summit Hill, graduated from Summit Hill High School in 1939 and then immediately entered the military. He said he served overseas for more than 30 months.

He told Szczecina his first stop in the military was in Guam.

After completing his military obligation, “When I came back, they told me my father’s job (in the coal mines) was open. I worked just one week and I quit. One week in the mines was enough.”

He went on to work at the Bethlehem Steel Corporation.

Szczecina said McHugh has been a member of the Lehighton American Legion Post for 85 years.

During the program, Summit Hill Poppy Queen Zoe Alabovitz, 10, sold the first poppy to Szczecina. She is the daughter of Michael and Meredith Alabovitz.

Retired Lt. Col. John McFadden, the Summit Hill Memorial Day parade grand marshal, said, “I’m very proud to represent military veterans in any event, but especially proud to represent veterans in this parade.”

“Every veteran returns from the war different than when they went in,” he said.

McFadden said when a soldier doesn’t make it home, it affects his family, friends and the community.

“It’s the ones who don’t come back that we honor today,” he said. “We must continue to remember their heroic sacrifices.”

Former Summit Hill Mayor Paul McArdle conducted a POW/MIA ceremony.

Student orators were Mason Mattrazzo, Connor Rehnert and Sam Homyak, all Marian Catholic High School students.

Gregory Miller, chaplain of Summit Hill American Legion Post 316, read the roll call of Summit Hill veterans who have died in the past year.

Phil Michels of Bethlehem, played “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes.

Members of Post 316 and Sons of the American Legion Squadron 316 provided an honor guard gun salute.

Panther Valley High School bugler Allison Garcia played taps, accompanied by Joelle Machay, also of Panther Valley High School, on drums.