While we may never be able to fully repay the debt to the heroes who gave their lives for our freedom, we can honor their memory in a multitude of ways.

Commander Kevin Long welcomed those in attendance during Memorial Day services held Monday morning inside the Zion United Church of Christ in Lehighton.

Long thanked everyone who took the time to join them despite the rain.

Mayor Ryan Saunders said it’s “a somber day of remembrance.”

Saunders then urged everyone to take a moment to say a prayer and visit a cemetery.

Speaker Lt. Colonel (Ret) Linda Ettl, U.S. Army National Guard, U.S. Army Reserves, thanked Long for inviting her and added he is “not only an excellent NCO, but a friend and colleague who I have known for over 30 years.”

“Memorial Day is more than the unofficial beginning of summer. It is a sacred day of remembrance, a day when we pause as a nation to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to this great nation, the United States of America.

“Today, we gather not only to remember history, but to remember the people who made history. Military servicemen and woman of the American Revolutionary War, American Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, and the conflicts of more recent decades all remind us that each generation has been called upon to defend the ideals of liberty and democracy.

“The heroes who placed duty above self, honor above fear, have given their lives for the freedoms we all enjoy on a daily basis. The freedom to speak, the freedom to worship, the freedom to dream, and the freedom to live in peace were preserved by those who stood in harms way on behalf of others.”

Ettl added that while we can never fully repay that debt, we can honor it by honoring their memory not only through words, but through how we live.

She said we honor them when we treat one another with dignity and respect, when we strengthen our communities and help our neighbors, when we stand up for what is right, and by ensuring that the legacy of our fallen heroes is never forgotten, especially by our future generations.

Ettl added that as we spend time with family and friends this weekend, to take a moment to pause in gratitude.

She encouraged everyone to “remember all the Gold Star families, veterans, active-duty service members, and all who have borne the burden of military service.

“And to the fallen heroes whose courage gave us the blessings we enjoy today, we offer our eternal respect and gratitude,” Ettl said. “May we never forget their sacrifice. May we always honor their memory, and may we strive every day to be worthy of the freedoms they defended.”

Long then spoke of the Weight of Sacrifice.

He said that our American Flag when folded forms a triangle to honor the Tricorne hat which was worn by Continental Soldiers during the Revolutionary War.

Long said it is folded exactly 13 times. The Blue Star Studded Canton is tightly secure.

He said three shells are placed in the final fold, and emphasized duty, honor and country.

Long said the 13 folds weigh about 2.3 pounds (measurable by ounces).

“The weight of the flag when handed to a loved one is heavier than the world,” Long said.

The ringing of the bell followed.

Long said that since the first shot was fired that started the Revolutionary War, to the last shot in the War on Terror, America has been involved in 12 wars. He honored those fallen comrades by ringing of the bell.

The service was followed by a procession to Lehighton Cemetery, military honors with flag raising, military honors at American Legion Post #314, followed by flag raising and conclusion of services/honors.