Annual Memorial Day Observances Remember Those Who Made The Ultimate Sacrifice
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Crowds gathered in Lawrenceville Monday morning for the annual Memorial Day Parade.
The 111th annual Memorial Day Parade kicked off at 36th and Butler Streets, and ran about an hour.
The parade honors all the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice while fighting for our country.
"Memorial Day is a little different than Veterans Day because we remember those that gave the ultimate sacrifice," said Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto. "We should also think about those that never came back the same, and the families of those who had to suffer."
The #MemorialDay2019 parade in #Lawrenceville is happening now! @KDKA pic.twitter.com/qHtlblKUeZ
— Amy Wadas (@AmyWadas) May 27, 2019
As the music played through the neighborhood, the crowd waved American flags. Even the kids were having a blast, one piece of candy at a time.
"They came from every state. They come from everywhere. This is one of the largest parades in the country," said Holly Hicks-Opperman.
The parade is also a reminder of the men and women who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.
"It means a whole lot to me and my grandpap and how he sacrificed his life for my country," said Maggie Jones.
Molly Butler brought her kids to the parade so they can learn the significance of this day. The family lives in Squirrel Hill, so Butler says Memorial Day means even more to them now.
"Just from being in a community where the Tree of Life massacre happened, we got to see firsthand how important it is to have security," said Butler.
Following the parade, a military memorial service was held at Allegheny Cemetery, a community picnic follows, running until 3 p.m.
"The neighborhood of Lawrenceville has been doing this for nearly 100 years. People have gathered along Butler Street in order to remember those that never came home," said Mayor Peduto.
Allegheny Cemetery is the final resting place for more than 15,000 veterans.
Also in the city, Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall in Oakland is hosting a Memorial Day celebration from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
PTL At Soldiers & Sailors Hall:
There will be a reflective ceremony first to remember nearly 300 fallen Pennsylvania Service members who made the ultimate sacrifice in the War on Terrorism. Then, there will be plenty of activities, including activities for kids and a free concert by The Brass Roots.
#HappeningNow. Soldiers & Sailors is having a Free Memorial Day celebration honoring our military. Almost 300 Pennsylvanians have made the ultimate sacrifice. Complete coverage tonight on @KDKA. Enjoy some sights & sounds. #HonorThem #MemorialDay2019 pic.twitter.com/LdHJyuuJk6
— Chris Kunicki (@K00nix_Photog) May 27, 2019
In Washington County, Canonsburg is also hosting their annual Memorial Day Parade. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler is this year's grand marshal.
Stay with KDKA for the latest on this developing story.
