“Our flag does not fly with the wind, it flies with each breath of each soldier who protected it.”

That anonymous quote was shared by local historian Gary R. Bruch at the Memorial Day service held at the Salem-St. Paul Church in Polk Township.

The names of 34 local military personnel were read that will be added to the local Veterans Memorial across from the church.

Special recognition was given to 98-year-old James J Scaletti Jr., who served in Korea from 1945-1954 as a Navy aviation structural mechanic, second class. Scaletti maintained and repaired blimps, climbing 50- to 75-foot ladders and higher to make repairs.

Jessica and Conrad Caputo laid a wreath during the ceremony. The Caputos’ children are actively serving in the military. Thirty-year-old Keanu Heath and 27-year-old Tanner Heath are in the Navy.

Retired Navy Command Master Chief Darel Handley and his wife, Linda Handley, also a retired Navy Command Master Chief, noted the importance of Memorial Day is that “We never forget those who served.”

A bell was rung in honor of the fallen who failed to return, with a moment of silence. Following the service, taps was played and the retiring of the colors commenced, signifying the end of a military ceremony where the flags are taken down and stored.