It takes a special person to commit their life to serve this country and put themselves in harm's way.

These brave men and women who do all possess the same qualities: courage, pride, determination, selflessness, dedication and integrity.Some make it home, while others make the ultimate sacrifice.On Monday, on the 150th anniversary of Memorial Day, the Nesquehoning VFW Post 8008, Ladies Auxiliary and American Legion; family members and friends gathered to honor their fallen brethren during a parade and service in the borough.The event kicked off with a parade from the west end of town, stopping at two veteran memorials in town to perform a short service before ending at the VFW Post 8008 home for the main service.As everyone gathered at the VFW, Donato DeMarco, master of ceremonies, welcomed the crowd as Poppy Queen Sophia Simchak, with her court Josephine Simchak, Marissa Lilly and Cienna Padora, and Poppy King Ethan Lilly sold poppies.A welcome address was then given by Richard Ellis, commander of the VFW."Today is not the day to thank us veterans," he said. "Today is the day to remember those who gave their lives to defend our freedom.""We're here today to remember their achievements, their courage and their dedication," Nesquehoning Mayor Sam Kitchko said.Robert Paul, the main speaker for the event, also addressed the crowd.Paul is a lifelong resident of Nesquehoning and served in the Air Force during Vietnam.He spoke of his time during the war and the number of soldiers lost during that battle."Please don't forget," he said. "Don't let your children forget how fortunate they are to have brave men and women unselfishly put their lives in harms way to protect our country and our freedom."Other speakers included Edward Coll, commander of American Legion Post 172 and Cheri Santore, president of the VFW Post 8008 Ladies Auxiliary.Panther Valley students Noah Easterly, Beatrice Petschauer and Brianna Picht also read Logan's General Orders, the Gettysburg Address and the poem "In Flanders Field."Theodore Dacey, chaplain of the VFW, read the roll call of the 32 veterans who passed away since last Memorial Day.The Nesquehoning UVO Honor Guard saluted the deceased while its color guard, as well as the Panther Valley JROTC cadets posted colors while taps was played from the top of the cemetery, overlooking the VFW.