Veterans Day Activities 2017

 Even though the day was cold, many turned out to attend the morning ceremony at Chess Park and stayed for the following parade.  A big thanks to the girls from Sigma Kappa for all their help and enthusiasm ensuring the day was a great success.

Visit from 25th District Commander Dennis Koman

During a post visit from the 25th District Commander Dennis Koman, awards were presented for the post having 100% membership for 2017:
Dave T. as the Post Commnader
Stu I. as the Post Adjutant
Cindy J. as Membership Chairperson

The Mon Valley Veterans Council Salutes Our Veterans

On Nov. 11 th ,2017 the Mon Valley Veterans Council will hold our 98 th Regional Veterans
Day Celebration. The day’s events begin at 9:30 am in Chess Park, Monongahela with the Mon
Valley Leathernecks Color Guard Commanded by Master Gunnery Sergeant Howard Weber and
National Anthem sung by local vocalist Ms. Kim Van Vooris. Rev. Ron Ravazio of Journey By
Grace Church will provide a prayerful beginning for the day. The Opening Program will also
include welcome and remark by Mayor Bob Kepecs; the 2 Bell Ceremony by Commander Bill
Hess and the Mid Mon Valley Shipmates; Musical selections by Ms. Van Vooris and David’s
Music House. Following the Keynote Speech and Benediction by Rev. Ravazio, the program will
conclude with Taps and Three Volley Rifle Salute by the Mon Valley Honor Guard and Firing
Squad, Mr. John Gulick commanding.

Our Keynote Speaker and Parade Grand Marshall, LTC Lawrence Kerr, is an Army
Veteran who served with the Judge Advocate Generals Corps both in Germany and at high
levels at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. After transferring to the Army Reserve, LTC Kerr
completed his military career as Commander of the 125 th Individual Mobilization Unit. He is
presently a prominent attorney practicing law in Greensburg, Westmoreland County.
The Grand Parade of Veterans will assemble and line up at 11:00 am and will step off
promptly at 12:00 noon. The line of march will include Veterans Service Organizations from
around the Mon Valley, invited dignitaries from State and County, 7 High School Marching
Bands, 7 Decorated Floats from different service organizations, Vintage Trucks, Horse Drawn
Vehicles, and of course, the Finest Fire Fighters and First Responders anywhere on their
impressive Emergency Vehicles and Fire Trucks.

All local Veterans are invited to attend and participate in this special event.

Placing of the Flags

The Monongahela Cemetery was opened in 1863, during the Civil War.  It is the central point for Memorial Day Services in the city each May.  It serves as the final resting place for more than 4,200 veterans.  With the aid of members from two church congregations, adults and children span the cemetery grounds, placing flags to honor every one of those veterans.  This tradition began by the Frank Downer American Legion Post # 302 in Monongahela more than 40 years ago.  For the past four years, parishioners from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Carroll Township have taken over the task.  Last year, the Uniontown congregation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints joined the effort.  "Rain or shine, they are here.  Last November, it was raining all day they were here retrieving the flags."

Memorial Day weekend activities 2017

With 2017 making the 100th anniversary of the U.S.'s entry into War World I, Mid-Mon Valley veterans killed in action in the first World War were remembered.

On May 28, in Finleyville, American Legion Post# 613, Post# 302 and the Mon Valley Honor Guard conducted services at the following: Stone Church Cemetery, St. Francis of Assisi Cemetery, Mingo Creek Cemetery, Finleyville Cemetery and Finleyville Community Center.

Memorial Day Activities 2017

On May 29, Memorial Day activities began with a parade and concluded with services held at the Monongahela Cemetery.  Placing of the wreath was conducted by the MonValley LeatherNecks.  The Mon Valley Shipmates performed the two-bell ceremony.  The Mon Valley Honor Guard performed the rifle salute.  The Ringgold High School Band performed the National Anthem and other patriotic music.

Flag Day 2016

Memorial Day 2016