Former member of the U.S. Navy’s submarine service William Squier delivered the keynote address at a Memorial Day service held Monday, May 30 on the Green in Montrose.
BY STACI WILSON
Red, white and blue wreaths dedicated stood in the forefront of the Memorial Day service in remembrance of the ultimate sacrifice made by fallen heroes on the Green in Montrose on Monday.
Elected officials and club representatives offered words of praise and thanks to soldiers, their families and emergency service personnel.
As part of the May 30 service, Montrose Area elementary choir and band students performed patriotic music for the hundreds of people gathered for the post-parade service.
Bob Kadlecik, pastor of the Bridgewater Baptist Church, said, “Remember them as heroes… who have given their lives for our freedom.”
Bud Wilcox plays ‘Taps’ at the conclusion of the service Monday in Montrose.
Keynote speaker William Squier also spoke of freedom, the flag, solemn remembrance and the future.
Squier, who serves as the Dean of Students at the Susquehanna County Career and Technology Center, Dimock, served in the submarine service of the U.S. Navy. His father also served in the military.
“I’m proud of my father’s service,” Squier said. “I’m proud of my service in the U.S. Military.”
Squier described his time with the service and recalled a time when his submarine was headed to port in the United States.
“We pledge to the flag often and many people think of freedom. I remember sailing back and seeing the American flag; getting on deck of the sub. It brought tears to my eyes at that point,” Squier said. “That flag meant home.”
He said that displaying our flag was not only a sign of American pride but also of remembrance. “It’s a good thing.”
Veterans lead the Montrose Memorial Day parade up Public Ave. before gathering for a service on the Green.
Squier said Memorial Day is set aside for remembering, as a whole nation, “the sacrifice of life for a cause.”
“Remembering those who sacrificed their lives helps us to remain vigilant,” he said.
Not only former-Navy but also an educator, Squier looked to the future. “Teach at every teachable moment,” he advised.
“We need to do that with our veterans. Take any opportunity to teach the younger generations about the sacrifices they made.”
The VFW also presented awards to patriotic contest winners. Voice of Democracy first place winner Rachel Grosvenor, also won the district round and her entry finished fifth in the statewide competition.
Mary Kate Fruehan placed first in a patriotic art contest.
Montrose Area seventh grader Kira Karpov took first place in the Patriotic Pen contest.
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