LUZERNE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — On Saturday, the true meaning of Memorial Day weekend was on display. A somber service was held to bring the community together for reflection, and for many, a return to tradition after six long years.
Under gray skies but lifted spirits, Luzerne Borough stood united, not just as neighbors, but also a community bound by gratitude.
"Though we come from different walks of life, we share the same debt to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, so that we might live in peace and freedom," Luzerne Mayor Ron Reino said.
This marks the first Memorial Day weekend service in Luzerne Borough since the COVID pandemic put it on pause.
Amelia Hoffman lives directly across the street from the ceremony.
When the event was last held, she was privileged with the not-so-easy task of singing our national anthem.
In keeping with the theme of bringing back past participants, Hoffman once again opened the solemn event with uplifting notes.
"It's pretty emotional, especially when they do the taps. I get choked up, always," Hoffman told 28/22 News.
University helping families visit their fallen veterans
The ceremony turned personal when the names of 100 hometown heroes were read aloud.
The banners of men and women who were honored across the town now returned home to the families who loved them.
"I think no matter how busy you are, each one of us has to stop, pause, and come to one of these services. To place those flags for the ones who gave that ultimate sacrifice," Luzerne resident Linda Van Orden said.
For some in this crowd, it was their first time there.
For others, it was a first step in passing on the meaning of Memorial Day to the next generation.
"I really like how we had the ending prayer. That was pretty nice for everybody to lead out in prayer. Nice to spread the word. People that served for our country, put their life for the country," Kingston resident Tommy Donlick told 28/22 News.
The event will return once again next year, and for Luzerne, the message is clear: Remembrance isn't just an annual tradition, it's a promise that lives on.
