The main speaker at the Memorial Day service in Lansford stressed the importance of “duty, honor, country.”

Carbon County District Attorney Michael Greek, a U.S. Army veteran who he served as a tank platoon leader, spoke during the service held Monday at Kennedy Park in Lansford.

He quoted Gen. Douglas MacArthur, who said in his address to West Point cadets, “Duty, honor, country. Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be.”

About 100 people attended the service sponsored by Lansford American Legion Post 123.

Greek said of the edict by MacArthur, “I’ve taken these words as a code to live by because I believe that all soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who came before us embraced that code in the face of danger and death. It allowed them to rise above their fears, to stand strong in the face of battle.”

The speaker told how his grandfather and father preceded him as military members.

His grandfather served in the Army during World War II in the European Theater of Operations in Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe. He was a prisoner of war, earning a Bronze Star with V for valor.

His father served in Korea.

“I think it is because of the patriotism of my father and the heroics of my grandfather, and the values and lessons instilled during each and every Memorial Day that I was guided to service for my country,” he said.

He urged that the meaning of Memorial Day should not be forgotten, quoting Gen. George S. Patton, “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God such men lived.”

Richard D. Pogwist, past commander of the Legion Post, served as master of ceremonies.

The national anthem was sung by Angela Nardini.

Three Panther Valley High School students had speaking parts in the service.

Matt Kokinda read Logan’s General Order, Alexis Cooper gave a reading of “In Flanders Field” and Eli Maynard presented President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.

Lansford Legion member David Padora, Maynard’s grandfather, read the list of 17 veterans from the community who died since Memorial Day 2020.

Retired Army Maj. Gerald New placed a memorial wreath in front of the veterans monument.

Legion Commander Nathan Krajcirik offered remarks.

Patriotic music selections were played by the Panther Valley High School band. Bugler Nicholas Surotchak played taps.

A squad, which included Attorney Greek’s son, gave a rifle salute.

The invocation and benediction were by the Rev. Walter Breiner of Auburn, a native of the Panther Valley.