Amid the sound of the birds singing in the trees and before a solemn crowd of spectators, USMC Iraq War veteran Staff Sgt. Adam Banotai, said he once found the term "celebrate" (in relation to Memorial Day), to be offensive upon returning home from Fallujah in 2005.

Banotai was the guest speaker at the Lansford Memorial Day services held in Kennedy Park."I did not celebrate watching great men such as Nick Ziolkowski and Dan Malcolm fall by my side. Honor their lives, yes, but celebrate their deaths, no," said Banotai."However, a time came when I realized that perhaps a call for celebration," he added.Banotai noted that those who had fallen in the name of freedom had not done so for "glory, or wealth or fame.""Instead they volunteered to fight for their countrymen in hopes that if they should fall valiantly on the field of battle, that others may live," he added."This unique love of something greater than self is what sets Americans apart from others around the world and is in fact, worthy of celebration," said Banotai.Banotai also said that, "When it comes to America, there is no better friend, and no worse enemy."He also quoted John F. Kennedy, saying "Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and success of our liberty."Richard D. Pogwist, past commander of the Lansford American Legion Post 123, served as the master of ceremonies.The Rev. Jeremy Benack, pastor of Grace Community Church, gave the invocation and benediction.General Logan's Order was read by Panther Valley High School student and JROTC cadet Troy Margerum.Panther Valley students Brooke Turner and Zachary Gilbert also participated. Turner read "In Flanders Fields" and Gilbert read Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.The JROTC firing offered a salute to those who have passed.