(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)
“This is a traditional Memorial Day service that we’ve had at our post for many, many years; [it] goes back to when I was a kid.”
Bob Schleiden is no longer a kid, but as a member of American Legion Post #548 in Richland Township he still participates heavily in the Memorial Day Festivities. This year’s annual parade and ceremony will be held at the Richland Township Park on Monday, May 30 beginning at 9:45.
“The parade continues to grow,” Schleiden said to Matt Drzik on the May 27 edition of A.M. Beaver County. “It starts off with the Air Force Junior ROTC as the color guards, and we have elements of the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts…and they’re followed by our first responders.” According to Schleiden, the parade also includes antique cars, old war Jeeps, the Pine-Richland marching bad, and horses from Babcock Stables.
Following the parade, a formal ceremony takes place that features patriotic music, awards, presentations, and it culminates with a “Final Roll Call” that honors service members from the area that have been lost to war or have recently passed on as veterans. “It certainly is a moment of healing,” Schleiden said.
To listen to the full interview, click on the player below!