Speakers at the American Legion Allen O. Delke Post 16 Memorial Day service at the Union Cemetery in Slatington urged people to remember the sacrifice made by servicemen and their families.

Ron Humanick, commander of the Legion, opened the ceremony by saying, “This is more than just a long weekend. It’s a solemn remembrance and a time to renew our pledge of loyalty to the country and our flag.”

He said we use the word “hero” loosely. The word is attached to professional athletes and Hollywood stars, but the true heroes are the 1 million men and women who sacrificed their lives for our country. They are the military veterans, the police officers and the firefighters who give their lives to protect us.

“Each name we remember today we should remember the sacrifice so that we have safety and opportunity,” he said.

Humanick led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by “The Star Spangled Banner” played by the Northern Lehigh High School Band, under the direction of Mikayala Vangelo.

Slatington Mayor Jeralyn Schoch continued with the solemn theme.

“Memorial Day is a time for reflection,” she said. “It calls us to remember those who gave their lives defending the freedoms and values we hold dear. Their courage, their sacrifice and their unwavering commitment to duty have shaped the very fabric of our nation. Because of this we enjoy the blessings of liberty, peace and democracy.

“President Lincoln once said in his Gettysburg Address, “that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion.”

The community has the responsibility to keep the memory of people alive.

“We do this not only through ceremonies and moments of silence but by living lives that reflect the values they defended,” Schoch said.

She said Memorial Day should not be viewed as just a day off: “It is a day to stand together and honor those who gave everything for our freedom. Let us carry forward their legacy with gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose.”

Former Army Sgt. 1st Class Ronald Kester also spoke about keeping memories alive through stories.

Kester addressed those attending, beginning, “How can I best honor the men and women who came before me serving this great nation and sacrificing their lives in doing so. This day was set aside for soldiers and citizens to remember those who had fallen during the Civil War, originally known as Decoration Day. And later it was expanded to remember the sacrifices of all those who gave their lives building and defending our country.”

He went on describing his memories as a boy listening to veterans from World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam at family gatherings or local American Legion or VFW posts.

“I know now that they were honoring their fellow service members by remembering their sacrifice,” he said.

Kester continued by reminding the crowd that attendance is “getting smaller at the gatherings. We try to do our best to honor those who did not return by attending and hope that is enough.”

He asked those present to “keep inviting family members and friends to attend. If you know service members and veterans, ask them to attend ceremonies.”

He concluded, “Listen to the young and old veterans at the family gatherings as they are trying to honor their brothers and sisters with their memory.”

Retired Post Commander Dennis Zeigler was recognized during the service. He stepped down last year after 25 years of service.