Rain forced Slatington’s 106th Memorial Day service indoors Monday, but the solemn message of remembrance remained at the forefront as veterans, local officials and residents gathered at the Slatington Baptist Church to honor those who gave their lives in service to the country.

Ron Humanick, commander of the Allen O. Delke American Legion Post 16, opened the ceremony by thanking the many volunteers who helped organize the annual observance.

“Each year, the planning and preparation for Memorial Day takes a great deal of work,” Humanick said. “From placing over 2,000 grave-site flags, with the help of Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and the Patriot Club, to organizing today’s events, it truly takes a group effort.”

Humanick gave special recognition to Mayor Jeralyn Schoch for her continued assistance.

“Time and time again, she has pulled tricks out of a hat and helped me tremendously,” he said.

He also praised the American Legion Honor Guard, which visited 14 cemeteries and memorials over two days, as well as the Legion Auxiliary for preparing meals for participants after the ceremonies.

Humanick reminded attendees that Memorial Day is meant to be a solemn observance.

“It is not simply a long weekend or the unofficial start of summer,” he said. “It is a sacred day set aside with purpose — a day to pause, reflect and remember the men and women of our armed forces who gave their lives in service to this country.”

He said the day also serves to honor all veterans who have since passed away.

“Whether they died in wars, years later at home, or quietly among family, their service mattered,” Humanick said. “Their commitment mattered. Their lives mattered.”

Closing his remarks, he said, “We never know all their names or all their stories, but we owe them a debt we can never fully repay. The best we can do is remember them, honor them, and live in a way that reflects the value of their sacrifice.”

Mayor Jeralyn Schoch, who is also auxiliary president, followed with remarks centered on unity, service and remembrance.

“Today we gather with grateful hearts to honor the men and women who served our nation with courage, duty and sacrifice,” Schoch said. “Memorial Day is a solemn reminder of the debt we owe to those who gave their lives so that we may live free.”

She encouraged residents to honor veterans through action as well as remembrance.

“Memorial Day calls us to translate gratitude into action; to support our veterans, to care for their families, and to ensure that our public institutions reflect the courage and integrity that our fallen heroes exemplified,” Schoch said.

She added that Memorial Day should also serve as a reminder of common purpose during divided times.

“In moments of national division, we look to the memories of the fallen to remind us that our strength lies in our shared humanity,” she said.

The keynote speaker, Lehigh County Sheriff Joe Hanna, reflected on the origins of Memorial Day, which was first known as Decoration Day because of the tradition of decorating the graves of Civil War soldiers with flowers, wreaths and flags.

Hanna acknowledged that he never served in the military.

“My 46 years in public service cannot be measured against those veterans lost, alive, and (the) current men and women in our armed forces,” Hanna said.

He told the audience that more than 1 million American service members have died in service to the nation.

“They have shown bravery and valor with their ultimate sacrifice … common people … like you and I … displaying the ultimate in moral courage,” Hanna said.

He also honored those lost in conflicts from the Revolutionary War through current conflicts in the Middle East.

“May God rest the souls of our fallen heroes and may their memories be eternal,” Hanna said. “May his protective arms embrace our men and women currently serving … keep them safe.”

Chaplain Brian Haas closed the ceremony with prayer.

“Lord, these men and women we honor today are no longer in our physical presence; their souls have marched forward into eternity, yet their spirit of devotion continues to live on in our memories and hearts,” Haas said. “May the lives we live be worthy of their sacrifices. Amen.”