Memorial Day weekend saw not only good weather and cookouts but also a lot of people who came out to support the memory of those who have served and those who are currently serving our country at home and abroad. At the Shawnee Cemetery in Plymouth, Irene Augustine of the Ladies Auxilary Post 1425 VFW said it best: “Today is to honor and remember.”
The day started out warm and progressed to really hot. The temperature and bright sun did not deter people from lining the streets for many Memorial Day celebrations. Bikers came from different clubs and organizations to show their support for the memory of those who served in past conflicts as well as those who serve today. Many of those who were riding their bikes in the hot sun also served.
One of those bikers was Paul Lindenmuth, professor of criminal justice at King’s College. Lindenmuth is a Vietnam War veteran. He wears a very special tattoo on his right arm that reads De Opresso Liber, Free the Oppressed. This is a tattoo worn by Special Forces soldiers. When I asked him why he chose to come to the Ashley Memorial Day parade, he said, “As a Vietnam veteran, I wanted to participate. I wanted to participate for my comrades in arms who didn’t make it back.” Lindenmuth is one of many soldiers who answered the call of duty to serve on foreign shores. The veterans of the Vietnam War are a group that has been historically given little thanks for their service. Yet they come to many events.
Among those at the Ashley parade was Frank Keris of Larksville who came with several of his friends. He belongs to the Motorcyclists Rally for Freedom of Choice. He likes to help with the parade. He and his friends brought lollipops to hand out to children along the route. Frank could be seen pulling over to the crowds and handing out the candy.
Included in the marchers were the Ashley-Newton Phillies coach-pitch Little League. I asked some of the young people why they came to the parade. Alessia Mangan said “because it was parade day,” Todd Kolbicka said it was for “love,” and his sister Kylee Kolbicka said, “To honor our soldiers who fought for our country.” Nick Pikul stated that he came “In remembrance of our veterans who fought for our freedom.” He also thinks the bikes are “awesome.” Some pretty astute young people.
The Ashley Memorial Day parade is the second oldest in the country, and the people of this small mining town take the day quite seriously. The parade route was lined with people of all ages and some dogs of all shapes and sizes. The houses in town were decorated with bunting and flags everywhere. Everyone came to see the fire trucks, the Shriners, the Masons and of course the motorcyclists.
I had the opportunity to talk to one young woman who was riding with her pop on the back of his motorcycle. Madelyn Grilz, age 10, was very excited to be a part of the parade and especially to ride on the back of her pop’s motorcycle. She said that she came because “I wanted to support the vets, and I like the Memorial Day parade. It’s fun to come and see everyone stand on the side.”
Her pop is Wayne Grilz of the Band of Brothers Ghost Riders.
“It’s a thing we want to do each year as long as we can,” Wayne said of the parade. “Not only are we vets, but we want to support current soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. This is our fourth year for the Ashley Parade.” He said that the group is usually a little larger, but some split off to make the Kingston parade.
Also among the riders was Jay Bolesta who helped organize the run last week for Ed Derwin. That benefit raised $23,000.
Unlike previous years when everyone from the parade followed to the Maple Hill Cemetery, this year everyone split to go to different events. Some of the bikes hurried over to Kingston Corners to try and get in the Kingston parade. Other of the bikers went to Plymouth’s Shawnee Cemetery.
The main speaker was State Representative John T. Yudichak. His speech was one of perfect imagery. He related three stories of experiences that he has had, the first one about a veteran at the Veterans Affairs hospital who was in a wheelchair and yet asked a nurse for help in standing when the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. The second image was of a Vietnam veteran who thanked Yudichak for giving him a medal as no one had ever thanked him for his service before. The last image was one of a recent widow with two sons who just lost her husband. He ended his speech with these words, “It’s not only those who gave all, but their families.”
These are the images we need to remember every day.
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