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FORTY FORT — To Donald J. Williams, Monday’s West Side Memorial Day Parade and ceremony went beyond the opportunity to don red, white and blue in a show of support of fallen American troops.
The annual event was a chance to celebrate a rich family history that culminates annually with the procession of several Williams family members into the cemetery for placement of a memorial wreath in honor of those who have died in service to their country.
“We’re here to honor our fallen heroes,” said Donald J. Williams, who has been participating in the West Side Memorial Day parade for about 35 years.
His great-grandfather, Edward C. Williams, began the tradition in 1891 when, at the age of 10, he was given a Civil War fife by a soldier of the Grand Army of the Republic.
“My great-grandfather, his brothers, and several friends started the fife and drum company they called ‘Spirit of ‘76’, after the painting illustrating three men marching through a battlefield playing similar instruments,” he said.
This year’s parade, marking the 125th year the family participated, found five members of William’s extended family participating in the event with Williams and his daughter Lisa playing fifes, son Bryan and brother-in-law Dennis LeVasseur playing drums, and nephew Andrew carrying a flag.
With him in spirit, he said, is his father, Donald Williams, a front line medic in the Korean War who passed away in 2012. Williams said when his father was asked why he marched in the parade every year, he replied that it was “to honor the true heroes, those who never made it home.”
While addressing area residents at the conclusion of the parade, Forty Fort Mayor Andy Tuzinski, himself a veteran, called the loss of life in service to one’s country “the ultimate sacrifice.”
“Memorial Day is the most expensive day of the year, paid for with the lives of those who loved this country so much, they willingly risked their own — for their country, for their families, for their brothers in battle with whom they became closer than any blood relative could ever imagine,” Tuzinski said.
Area residents who gathered along both sides of the street seemed to enjoy attending the parade, which provided an opportunity to honor those who had served their country and to spend time with family as the unofficial start to the summer season was ushered in.
Although some had feared that a prediction of rain might have meant an abbreviated parade and ceremony, the sun appeared after some morning clouds and temperatures were mild.
Maureen Salley, who walked in the parade carrying a stuffed replica of Uncle Sam, said she enjoyed the positive response she got from children who waved back at her throughout the day.
Clad in red, white and blue herself, Salley said celebrating patriotic holidays including Independence Day and Veterans Day had become a tradition for her.
Shirley and Willard Coutts said they also attend the parade year after year with dog Sammie, a Pyrenees who seemed to be enjoying the parade with his owners.
Originally attending as Wyoming Valley West High School band parents, the couple said they now come out to support the school’s marching band and veterans groups as they make their way down the avenue.
Children seemed to especially enjoy scampering for candy thrown from parade participants, which included veterans groups, local police and fire companies, and government officials.
Several clowns, including one named “Woodie,” brought smiles to children’s faces with their colorful costumes and painted faces.
Williams is already looking forward to next year’s parade.
“With 125 years of family participation, I briefly considered stopping. I told my son I felt I had made good on a promise and that perhaps this would be the last year,” he said.
But Williams’ son, Bryan, Wouldn’t hear of it, he said. “No dad, we’re coming until we can’t do it any more,” Williams said his son told him.
Donald Williams said he couldn’t be prouder.
