Valley honors fallen patriots
Fayette City Poppy Princess Brynlee Bilski rides in the Fayette City Memorial Day parade on Monday. Joining her on the decorated utility vehicle are, from left, Rosalee Bennett, Emberlee Bennett, Braelynn Bilski and Rory Skibo. Photo by Jeff Helsel / Mon Valley Independent
Belle Vernon chiropractor Dr. Dana Anden rides her motorcycle during the Fayette City Memorial Day Parade on Monday. Jeff Helsel / Mon Valley Independent
Community members gathered Monday at Belle Vernon Cemetery for the Memorial Day service. Volunteers recently placed more than 3,000 American flags on veterans’ graves throughout the cemetery in preparation for the holiday. Jeff Helsel / Mon Valley Independent
Fayette City Memorial Day parade
Fred Exley, a Vietnam War veteran, carries a ceremonial wreath toward the veterans memorial on Monday at Belle Vernon Cemetery. Jeff Helsel / Mon Valley Independent
The Belle Vernon Area High School marching band performs “The Star-Spangled Banner” during the Memorial Day service on Monday at Belle Vernon Cemetery. Jeff Helsel/ MVI
Retired Marine Corps officer and Paralympian Eric McElvenny, a 2001 Belle Vernon Area High School graduate, delivers the Memorial Day address during the annual Belle Vernon Memorial Day Service on Monday at Belle Vernon Cemetery. McElvenny, who lost his right leg after being injured by an improvised explosive device while serving in Afghanistan, spoke about service, sacrifice and honoring the nation’s fallen veterans. Jeff Helsel / MVI
Fayette City Memorial Day Parade
Rick Swaney of the Fayette City-Washington Township Lions Club distributes candy to children along the parade route during the Fayette City Memorial Day Parade. Jeff Helsel/ MVI
Members of the Fayette City American Legion Post 484 color guard lead the Fayette City Memorial Day Parade on Monday as spectators line Main Street. Jeff Helsel / MVI
See more photos from Memorial Day services around the Mon Valley on pages A7-8
