Bethel Park, Mt. Lebanon hosting Memorial Day events
Veterans from all branches of the United States military march in last year’s Bethel Park Memorial Day parade. They will again lead the festivities on May 29 this year. After the annual wreath-laying ceremony at 7:55 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Plaza near the municipal building, a parade will be held at 9 a.m. and travel on to Bethel Cemetery for a memorial service.
Eleanor Bailey/The Almanac
Retired Lt. Col. Thomas P. Gleason and Mayor Jack T. Allen place a wreath at one of the monuments honoring Bethel Park military personnel who sacrificed their lives for the country during last year’s Memorial Day ceremony. This year’s wreath ceremony starts at 7:55 a.m. May 29 at the Veterans Memorial Plaza, located near the municipal building on West Library Avenue.
While Veterans Day is the day to recall those who wore a uniform, Memorial Day is set aside to remember the ones who never returned home, and municipalities across the South Hills will recognize the sacrifices servicemen and women have made for the country during ceremonies on May 29.
Bethel Park and Mt. Lebanon recognize the day with memorials as well as parades.
Sponsored by American Legion Post 760, Bethel Park’s activities strives to create public awareness and remembrance for those who gave their lives for freedom, the supreme sacrifice, for the United States. Marchers carrying flags representing each service branch will participate and escort eight to 10 riflemen, who serve as honor guards attending the flags.
Festivities begin with coffee and donuts at 7:30 a.m. in council chambers followed by the morning ceremony starting at 7:55 at the Veterans Memorial Plaza in front of the municipal building, located at 5100 W. Library Ave.
Jorge Zarate is the keynote speaker.
Born in September 1991 in California to parents Jose and Olivia, Zarate moved to Bethel Park at age 13. A 2009 Bethel Park High School graduate, he enlisted in the military at age 17 and was enrolled into the Army Reserves 307th MP Co.
Once he graduated from basic training, Zarate was deployed to Afghanistan in 2011. When he left the military in 2016, he embarked on a police career.
Zarate worked in Ohio Township, Lincoln Borough and Avalon before being employed by the City of Pittsburgh in 2017. He was hired by the municipality of Bethel Park in January 2022.
Following the ceremony, the Memorial Day Parade will begin at 9 a.m. at the municipal building. It will end at Bethel Cemetery, adjacent to Bethel Presbyterian Church on Bethel Church Road, where a Memorial Day Service will be held.
At noon, a luncheon will be held at the Bethel Park Community Center following the service for those who participated in the event. The luncheon is sponsored by the municipality, American Legion and Jugo Club.
Anyone wishing to participate in the parade should contact coordinator Jessie Ferrari at jkdf44@aol.com or 412-344-1846.
Mt. Lebanon’s Memorial Day ceremony begins at 8:30 a.m. May 29 at the Veterans Memorial, near the recreation center off Cedar Boulevard.
Ret. U.S. Army Col. Carmen Digiacomo will be the featured guest speaker.
The South Hills Memorial Day parade follows at 10 a.m., starting on Brookline Boulevard and ending at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery.