The empty chair at the front of the bandstand told a story without words Monday morning at Palmerton Borough Park.

Draped with a prisoner of war and missing in action flag, it stood as a silent reminder of the more than 81,000 American service members still unaccounted for from conflicts spanning decades. Around it, a large crowd gathered under clear skies for the annual Memorial Day ceremony that has become a cornerstone of the borough’s tradition of honoring those who served.

The program, held under the auspices of the Palmerton American Legion Post 269 and Palmerton VFW Post 7134, began following a parade that started at 10 a.m. on Delaware Avenue and proceeded to the park.

Magisterial District Judge William J. Kissner served as the featured speaker for the ceremony, addressing the crowd about service, sacrifice, and community. Kissner, a Palmerton native and 1984 Bomber graduate, served 20 years with the city of Bethlehem Police Department before taking office as district judge in 2012.

“Service to our great nation may be achieved in many ways, shapes and forms,” Kissner told the audience. “That service may be from the families and loved ones who were lost in combat or injuries they sustained during battle, to our volunteer firefighters, our policemen, EMS, civic groups and those who are willing to offer a helping hand.”

The ceremony included special recognition for veterans with 50 years of continuous service to the American Legion. Three members were honored with certificates: Stephen Hansut, Barry Scherer and Joe Balitza.

A highlight of the program was the presentation of Quilts of Valor to three local veterans. Pat Piasecki, group leader for the local Quilts of Valor chapter, explained the significance of the quilts before the presentations.

“Each quilt that we create isn’t just fabric sewn together,” Piasecki said. “It symbolizes our gratitude, respect and commitment to those who fought to protect our freedom.”

The recipients were Douglas Borger, who served in the U.S. Navy from 1969 to 1973 aboard the USS Inchon helicopter carrier and served around the coast of Vietnam; Samuel Young, who served with the U.S. Marine Corps from 1967 to 1970 with artillery units in Vietnam; and James Franklin Grim, who served in the U.S. Navy from 1970 to 1974 aboard the USS Milwaukee as a radio and radar repairman.

Palmerton Mayor Don Herman also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of Memorial Day beyond its role as the unofficial start of summer.

“Memorial Day is more than the beginning of summer,” he said. “It is a day for reflection, a day to walk through our cemeteries and see the flags fluttering next to gravestones, a day to teach our children the meaning of duty and sacrifice and a day to remind ourselves that freedom is not free.”

The ceremony included recognition of the POW/MIA cause, with American Legion Commander Ed Moyer drawing attention to an empty chair displayed with a prisoner of war and missing in action flag.

“It is a symbol of more than 81,000 men and women still unaccounted for from all conflicts involving the United States of America,” Moyer said. “This is a reminder to all of us to spare no effort to secure the release of any American prisoner from captivity, the repatriation of the remains of those who bravely died in defense of liberty and a full accounting of those missing.”

The program featured musical performances by the Palmerton High School Band and Chorus, including renditions of “This is My Country” and “Stars and Stripes Forever.” Navy veteran Bruce Frisch delivered a reading of “This is the Flag,” while Palmerton High School senior Zane Himmelwright presented “In Flanders Field.”

During the ceremony, veterans from each branch of the military were called forward to receive commemorative pins, with recognition given in reverse order of establishment, from the newest Space Force to the Army, established in 1775.

A solemn portion of the service included the reading of names of 39 local veterans who died in the past year, read by UVO Chaplain Joseph Uhnak. The list included veterans from all branches of service, from World War II through recent conflicts.

Kissner reflected on Palmerton’s military heritage during his remarks, noting prominent local veterans including Lieutenant General Rhett Rodriguez, Sergeant Major Daniel Dailey, and the late Colonel George Duell Jr.

“Palmerton has raised many successful people over the years, but some of our most successful and celebrated are our military veterans,” Kissner said.

Eleven-year-old Mikaela Lawrence served as Miss Poppy 2025, while 8-year-old Grayson Vlossak served as the Palmerton American Legion Mascot. Both children, along with local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, sold poppies during the ceremony to raise funds for the American Legion and VFW for scholarships and veterans memorial upkeep.