PALMER TWP., Pa. — Dozens of servicemen and women, friends and family came together at American Legion Brown and Lynch Post 9 to honor the sacrifices of U.S. military personnel on Memorial Day.
Due to the potential for inclement weather, what would have been the post’s 125th parade was moved indoors, though a sizable crowd still came to the post Monday morning to pay homage to those lives lost in service of the country.
Following a brief introduction in which he apologized for moving the event indoors so as to err on the side of caution for the marchers and attendees, President Thomas Hess invited the Rev. Susan Ruggles to give the invocation.
“This afternoon, as we are enjoying picnics, barbecues and family get togethers that we deserve, I have one request: throughout American military dining halls within the United States and abroad, military tradition provides the Missing Man Table, which is reserved to honor those American military members who have died in battle, those who have not returned from the battlefield and those who are still missing."Nathan Branosky
Ruggles, who introduced herself as an “Air Force brat” born in Canada, said to the crowd she was happy to be in attendance, and to read a prayer from one of her father’s books, which he received upon joining the armed forces.
“Lord God, ruler of all the peoples of the earth, receive our prayer,” Ruggles said.
“We beseech thee our prayer for our country. We pray that your power and mercy may rule those who guide, and order those who legislate let all seek the good of all people and not of the self. Let them govern in the fear of God and not the fear of people or for personal advantage. Your hands are there for good things. Let us always use work that will do that. We pray this in the name of God, amen.”
Casey Heffelfinger took to the podium next to sing the national anthem, followed by Easton Area High School student Marco Niosi’s reading of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg address; EAHS student Catie Wagner’s performance of “Amazing Grace;” and EAHS student Emma Kontir’s reading of the poem “In Flanders Fields” by Dr. John McCrae.
“Take up our quarrel with the foe: to you from failing hands we throw the torch; be yours to hold it high,” Kontir read.
“If ye break faith we us who die, we shall not sleep, though poppies grow in Flanders Fields.”
The memorial address was presented by Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Nathan Branosky, who retired from the Army National Guard in October 2014 after 20 years of service. With the 213th Area Support Group Pennsylvania Army National Guard as an ammunition officer, Branosky was deployed to Afghanistan.
Branosky ascended to first lieutenant during his service, and served as a battalion operations officer with a force of 10 companies and 600 soldiers during Operations New Dawn in Iraq and Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
Since then, Branosky earned a bachelor’s degree from DeSales University, and has served as a state trooper ever since.
Branosky spoke of Freddie Stowers, a Black corporal drafted into the Army during World War I who rallied his unit to take a hill after the fall of his superior officers, and inspired his fellow soldiers to fight on after he was mortally wounded.
He also told the tale of U.S. Navy SEAL Lt. Michael Murphy, who gave his life to transmit a message to headquarters to retrieve four fellow SEALs during a firefight in Afghanistan.
As Branosky put it, “one of the highest callings you can make is to join the military and serve a purpose larger than yourself,” driving home the significance of the sacrifice made by those like Stowers and Murphy.
“This afternoon, as we are enjoying picnics, barbecues and family get togethers that we deserve, I have one request: Throughout American military dining halls within the United States and abroad, military tradition provides the Missing Man Table, which is reserved to honor those American military members who have died in battle, those who have not returned from the battlefield and those who are still missing,” said Branosky, public information officer for PSP's Troop M.
“This time-honored tradition serves as poignant reminder why we celebrate Memorial Day. I encourage all Americans to take part in this tradition and provide the first meal served today to that soldier who never returned."
Steve Frederick and Sue Rumer next presented the Sergeant McDaniel Memorial Award – McDaniel perished while manning a Jeep-mounted machine gun so his compatriots could fall back in Cambodia – to Easton Area High School senior Daniel Garcia, who is joining the Air Force.
“I would just like to thank the American Legion board for giving me this award. I'm very honored. This is a special day for my family, and for my father especially. He's thankful, and I'm definitely thankful,” Garcia said.
Following the roll call of the deceased, Post 9 went on to rendering honors, with a gun volley and a performance of taps prior to Hess addressing the crowd with a humble request.
“I just want to thank everyone for attending. This is not a happy day. I've heard it a lot – ‘Happy Memorial Day,’ but this is not a happy day,” Hess said.
“At three o'clock this afternoon, all across the United States, is a call for remembrance. So I would ask if you can, just to take a minute to remember all our brothers and sisters who gave their lives in action.”
Ruggles concluded the ceremony with a hymn, reading “God bless our native land; firm may she ever stand thro' storm and night. When the wild tempests rave, Ruler of wind and wave, do thou our country save. By thy great might, let us all go forth with peace in our hearts. Amen.”
As attendees spoke amongst themselves and thanked military men and women for their service, Easton Mayor Sal Panto Jr. reflected on the event and the importance of recognizing the meaning behind it all.
“I appreciate the people who were here, because it's the time to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. And it's not a happy day, as Mr. Hess said, but it is certainly a day to remember, and it was a good event,” Panto said.
