Parade honors Valley veterans
By STACY WOLFORD
swolford@yourmvi.com
Under blue skies and with summer-like weather, hundreds of people lined downtown Monongahela Saturday afternoon to honor American heroes and pay tribute to those who lost their lives, those who served honorably and those who are still proudly serving our country.
Despite the coronavirus pandemic and election chaos, the 101st Washington County Veterans Day Parade went off without a hitch, bringing together people of all ages. Social distancing and face-mask protocols were followed by many in attendance, as groups spread out along the sidewalks to safely watch the parade.
Washington County Commissioner Larry Maggi, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, said he was skeptical but “hopeful” that residents would show up for the parade to support local veterans.
“I was ecstatic to see such a nice turnout,” said Maggi, who is active with the Marine Corps League, Mon Valley Leathernecks, Claysville American Legion and the American Legion Riders. “Right now, with so much uncertainty in our country, with the election and the coronavirus, people really need something positive like this to bring us together.”
The Monongahela Veterans Council, as part of the Mon Valley Veterans Council, hosted this year’s Veterans Day program, parade and luncheon.
The celebration began in the Monongahela Fire Hall with the formal program and tribute. Charleroi native and Army Maj. David L. Zuzak served as a keynote speaker and parade grand marshal. Zuzak, a decorated veteran of the Middle East conflicts, is currently assigned as senior petroleum officer with the 635th Quartermaster Detachment in Farrell, Pa.
Opening ceremonies included the advance of colors by the Mon Valley Leathernecks, the Pledge of Allegiance led by George Eckert, an invocation by the Rev. Bill Bailey of Journey by Grace Church, and “God Bless America” sung by Kim Van Voorhis.
The ceremony also included remarks by Monongahela Mayor Greg Garry, the two-bell ceremony by the Mon Valley Shipmates, benediction by Rev. Kevin Dominik and “Taps” and a rifle salute by the Mon Valley Honor Guard.
The event continued at Chess Park where a memorial wreath had been placed by the Monongahela Woman’s Club.
The parade started at Chess Park and concluded on First Street.
The hour-long parade featured dozens of units, ranging from local American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts, American Legion Riders, Bikers Helping Others and Civil War re-enactors, scout troops and twirlers, local dignitaries, including state Rep. Camera Bartolotta, R-Carroll Township, Belle Vernon Mayor Gerald Jackson, in memory of his son, Army Specialist Casey Casteel Jackson, and representatives for newly re-elected Congressman Guy Reschenthaler, R-Peters Township, who was summoned back to Washington, D.C., and could not attend.
Marching bands from California Area, Ringgold and Washington high schools participated, along with the Mon Valley Jeepers, Big’s Trucking Inc., Mid Mon Valley Transit Authority, Bujanowski Towing, Fayette City/Washington Township Lions Club and others.
John A. Koller, secretary of the Monongahela Veterans Council, said planning this year’s parade was tricky, but it never crossed his mind to cancel the event. He thanked volunteers from the Monongahela Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints for helping to enforce COVID-19 protocols.
“We were committed to keeping up the 101st tradition. It was unbroken,” said Koller, a 27-year National Guard veteran. “It was a beautiful parade and a beautiful day.
“The Mon Valley is the patriotic heart of America.”
Stacy Wolford is managing editor of the Mon Valley Independent.
