Click here to subscribe today or Login.
WHITE HAVEN — For the first time in at least two decades, a Memorial Day parade made its way through the streets of White Haven on Sunday to honor the veterans who gave their lives in service to their country.
Linda Miller, president of the borough’s Chamber of Commerce, said the parade provided opportunity for diverse organizations to work together.
“The borough, the Marine Corps League, the VFW, the Chamber of Commerce and other organizations made this event possible,” said Miller. “Even the River Rats, a group of teens, participated in the parade and the events of the day.”
Terry Younker, grand marshal and member of the Marine Corps League, said the event was organized to bring an understanding of the significance of the holiday to the next generation.
“We are honoring members of the military who gave their life in service to their country,” said Younker.
Miller said that in several ways, the parade was historic.
“In addition to the parade being held for the first time in two decades,” she said, “it’s also the first parade that has come over the White Haven bridge.”
The parade route was filled with families, many carrying flags and dressed in patriotic colors, taking time out of their holiday weekend to honor members of the military and celebrate family.
Sheila Heckrote, of Philadelphia, traveled to the area over the weekend to spend time with daughter Betty Scott, a longtime resident of the borough.
Both dressed from head to toe in red, white and blue, said celebrating the day was a tradition.
“We’re proud of the men and woman who died for us,” said Heckrote.
Lauren Karnatski, whose home on Towanda Street was on the parade route, had a porch filled with family members excited for the renewed tradition, which provided a chance to gather with family as well as with members of the community.
Shirley Drozic, Karnatski’s grandmother, said, “I was born in this house and it’s nice to see people from all over coming back to White Haven to visit family and participate in the holiday.”
Many of those gathered had a family member or close friend participating in the parade and were excited to smile and wave as they passed by.
In addition to the Boy Scouts, the Girl Scouts, a VFW float, young members of a T-ball team, members of the military and military vehicles, parade goers saw “Uncle Sam” on stilts and those dressed as historical figures ranging from Betsy Ross to Abraham Lincoln.
Ron Miller, who recently moved back to the borough, said, “many traditions have faded away over time. It’s nice that this is happening today.”
Following the parade, a brief ceremony was held at Lehigh Park, providing residents with an opportunity to honor the borough’s veterans and to kick off the summer season, spending some time with their neighbors.
