Memorial commemorations proceed as planned in Mt. Lebanon
While some South Hills communities canceled Memorial Day ceremonies because of troubling weather forecasts for May 27, the band played on, the commemorations commenced and the parade proceeded in Mt. Lebanon and throughout neighboring Dormont.
“We would not cancel a ceremony this important,” said Mt. Lebanon Public Information Officer Laura Pace Lilley. “People who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country deserve to be recognized and thanked. So if anything, we would have moved it inside.”
Despite threatening skies, Mt. Lebanon held a moving service outside at the Veterans Memorial Park, located just off Cedar Boulevard.
The event included a welcome from Mt. Lebanon commission President Anne Swager Wilson, an invocation and benediction by the Rev. Laura Strauss from Sunset Hills United Presbyterian Church, a presentation of colors by the Mt. Lebanon Police Department’s honor guard, and a placing of the wreath ceremony.
The Mt. Lebanon High School marching band provided the music for the national anthem and “Taps.” The ensemble also performed a medley of tunes from each branch of the military service.
“On this most solemn and reverent occasion, we honor those who gave the supreme sacrifice for our country,” Wilson said.
She added that the country shows its gratitude on this day to those who gave all and she strongly encouraged those in attendance to make note of the names of the residents on the memorial pylon. “(They) bravely stood up to evil so that you and I might be free today.”
Dominic J. Pellicciotti was the keynote speaker. He served four years in the United States Navy before earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting and starting a family. A Wells Fargo employee, he has been married 25 years to his wife, Barbara. He has two children, Dominic, 20, and Louis, who will serve in the military upon graduation in June.
Regardless of weather, he noted that while serving on a warship in which he lost 47 of his shipmates, one carried out his duty. He recalled how during operations in the north Atlantic, he encountered 30-foot seas.
“That’s an interesting experience,” he explained. “In the Navy, we steamed full speed ahead whether it rained or stormed.
“It’s important that this day happens, rain or shine,” he added. “It’s very important because we need to keep the stories of the veterans that died serving this country to protect our freedoms alive. That can’t be done unless we tell their stories and remember them. That is what Memorial Day is for.”
Pellicciotti noted that many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. The latter is to honor those who served in the military. The former is to pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in service to the nation.
“Today is the day to remember and honor them. My hope is that we will never forget all Americans who died to give us our freedoms and died protecting those freedoms. It is our duty to ensure that their stories are not lost and that their memories and the impact they have had on this great nation will live on.”
Pellicciotti reflected upon the turmoil tearing the country apart. He noted that since the pandemic, the nation has seen “unprecedented attacks” on freedom of speech, due process to the rule of law and freedom of worship.
“Basically our entire Bill of Rights,” he said. “We need to reflect on our precious Constitution and this great country. Don’t ever be afraid to make sacrifices to protect our freedoms because freedom isn’t free.”
Because they knew service men that sacrificed for the United States, Mary Abbott and Sue Watson would never miss a Memorial Day commemoration because of the elements.
Abbott had an uncle that went down with a ship near Salerno in Italy during World War II. Her father, John Ropar, also served as a paratrooper in the Pacific corridor. A wounded warrior, he also was a member of MacArthur’s Honor Guard in Okinawa. Abbott also has a daughter, Christen, who attended the U.S. Air Force Academy.
“This day is immensely important,” Abbot said. “I would have been disappointed if this (ceremony) was canceled,” she said. “Unless it was unsafe. Thunder. Tornadoes. I feel it should go on. I am not going to melt.”
Watson dissolved emotionally, the death of her dad still raw. John G. (Jack) Watson passed away at age 98 on Aug. 15, 2022. A sergeant in the Marines, he served in the Pacific Theater from 1942-46. He participated in the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II.
“It was the bloodiest battle and he carried those memories with him silently,” Watson said. “When you live as long as he did, people seek you out. So he was honored. Saluted for his service. Treated like royalty,” she added.
Watson noted that after a recognition at a Steelers football game, Jack broke down weeping as they walked back to their car. “He said, ‘I am not a hero.’ The ones he visited at the cemetery were.”
For so many people, Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer. Pools open. Schools are closing until September.
“All of that is awesome because it’s what these guys fought for. Our ability to enjoy and be free,” Watson said. “However, this is a really hard day for people who fought. They struggle silently. Not necessarily with PTSD but the silent struggles that buckle their knees on days like today.
Watson said that her dad fought in ‘horrible’ conditions. She also explained that the Vietnam soldiers battled in monsoon rains.
“So we can stand here in the rain,” she said, “because this is an incredibly important day.”
The significance of the day was not lost on a young couple from neighboring Dormont. They had moved into the borough last November. Florida transplants, Matt and Michele Owens brought their sons, Blake and Hayes, to the South Hills Memorial Day parade, which weaved through Brookline and Dormont on its way to Mt. Lebanon Cemetery for another commemoration.
Michele Owens said she was “shocked” to hear of the cancellations in other communities. Additionally, she was surprised at the lack of memorial ceremonies in the area.
“For sure, I thought there would be more commemorations especially in Pittsburgh with its history,” said the Connecticut native. “I’m not sure if it’s just a weather thing this year but I am happy this one still was going on. It’s a wonderful thing to bring up all together to show our appreciation for all those that served and continue to serve.”