Lt. Col. Kevin W. Dellicker, U.S. Air Force, was the main speaker at the 103rd annual Memorial Day Service, held in the Union Cemetery, Route 873, Slatington.

“This part of Pennsylvania has paid a steep price to preserve our freedom,” Dellicker said. “No less than three dozen young men and women from the Lehigh Valley have made the ultimate sacrifice, just in our most recent conflict in the global war on terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan.”

Dellicker also told the story of Capt. Mark T. Resh from Lowhill Township, an Apache helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army, who used the aircraft to shield U.S. Coalition Forces from enemy fire in Najaf, Iraq, until he was shot down and killed on Jan. 28, 2007.

“I spoke with Capt. Mark Resh’s mom earlier this week, and I asked what she would like me to say about her son today. She said, ‘I just want people to remember him and what he did.’ That’s why we’re here today.

“The recent sacrifice of Capt. Resh and three dozen veterans from the Lehigh Valley in the global war on terrorism have protected our country for another generation. Be assured that these brave men and women have advanced the cause of freedom over tyranny, right over wrong, good over evil. And be assured that our nation remains guarded by men and women who are willing to lay down their lives for this noble cause.”

Dennis Ziegler, president of the Memorial Day Program Committee, emceed the program.

Ron Humanick, commander, and George Burke, past commander of the Slatington American Legion Post 16, placed a memorial wreath on the grave of Allen O. Delke, after whom the American Legion in Slatington is named.

Members of the Northern Lehigh High School Band, under the direction of David Carroll, performed “The Star Spangled Banner” as well as several other patriotic songs.

The Rev. Michelle G. Funk, pastor of the Heidelberg Union Church, offered the invocation, prayer, and benediction.

The Memorial Day Program Committee consists of: Commander Ron Humanick, President Dennis Ziegler, Vice President George Burke, Bob Churetta, Gary LeVan, Charles Snyder, Earl Snyder, Ron Scheffler, and Chaplain, Pastor Brian Haas.