Keith McQuait of Dolan-Jones-Martino American Legion Post 304, Jim Thorpe, offered his thoughts on Memorial Day.

“Today, we are gathered, not in celebration but in solemn remembrance. Memorial Day is a time to reflect on those that gave their lives in defense of freedom. The sacrifice is not abstract, but personal, to the lives of families and comrades and a grateful nation.

“From the beaches of Normandy to the mountains of Afghanistan, American service members have laid down their lives so that others might live free. They stood between tyranny and liberty, knowing full well the cost.”

McQuait also reminded those in attendance to remember those who were missing in action.

“More than 80,000 American service members remain missing in action for all wars and conflicts, their fate uncertain, their families still waiting. We owe it to them and to the values they fought for to never stop searching and never stop loving and to never forget.”

The monuments that were visited were the World War I Monument and the Lost at Sea Monument, both at Jim Thorpe Memorial Park; The World War II Monument on North Street; The Soldiers & Sailors Monument in Hazard Square; The Vietnam War Monument on West Broadway; the Korean War Monument at the Diligent Fire Company on Center Avenue; and the Civil War Monument at Liberties Hill Road, just off Route 209.