On May 27, 2013 the Susquehanna Memorial Day Parade began at 11 a.m. The sounds of engines roaring from across the Veteran’s Bridge kick-started a parade including the American Legion Post 86, Veterans, Boy Scouts, the Lions Club, Susquehanna Fire Co. Auxiliary, the Civil Air Patrol and several t-ball teams. Accompanied by fire engines and emergency vehicles, the parade made its way down Main Street and into the plaza parking lot, where several speeches were given in front of the Veteran’s Memorial. Students from Susquehanna Community High School spoke about their ideas of Memorial Day. Student Pete Hubal remarked “I can’t imagine a world without our troops and their dedication to our country.” All of the students expressed gratitude for the sacrifices made by brave American men and women.
Mayor William Perry briefly thanked all of those who attended the parade, then concluded by saying “God Bless the Troops.” Next a prayer was said in honor of the Veterans who had been lost. Other speeches were then made, including a speech commemorating not only recent Veterans but those from 1775. 15,000 minute men made an appearance in Boston to stand up before the crown. The speaker included that this was before Twitter, Facebook, or texting and he honored “those who never hesitated, past and present.” As the flags waved at half mast, blowing deftly in the breeze, all who attended the service remembered the United States Veterans who showed their pride and dedication to the country.