Bensalem celebrates Memorial Day with sirens

by Diane Davies-Dixon 

Under clear blue sky, residents of Bensalem and surrounding communities lined Bristol Pike with lawn chairs and blankets. Many of them dressed in red, white and blue.

On Monday, Bensalem began the Memorial Day celebration with a short memorial service at Harry T. Clunn V.F.W. Post #9220, in Eddington.

The memorial service was followed by the parade.

Veterans of the Harry T. Clunn V.F.W. Post #9220 and Bauer-Hartman-Marszalek V.F.W. Post 9198 in Andulusia lead the parade.

Louie (Dog) Katie Stella,6,and Alexis Bahner, 11, of Bensalem
watch the Bensalem Memorial Day Parade from a step
Diane Davies-Dixon/Photo

They began marching from Suzuki Fun Center in Bensalem, down Bristol Pike to Mill Park, the city line with Philadelphia.

“I think it is the greatest thing to show the men and women in wars that we back them,” said Joseph Santivasci, 70, of Bensalem, an Army Veteran himself.

“For some people this day means a day off from work,” said Santivasci. “To me it means that people fight for what they believe in. They have so much love to give their life.”

“Freedom around the world is what we are fighting for and I am proud to be an American,” said Santivasci.

Carrie Fielding, 30, of Bensalem, has been coming to the parade since she was a little kid and carries on the tradition with her own two children.

Taking a day to celebrate and remember why the country has the freedom it does makes the day special when you grow up in a military family, according to Valerie Bahner, 48, of Bensalem.

“Remembrance of veterans and all they did,” said Bahner. “My life would not be as great as it is if not for them.”

To read more go to: http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/bensalem-celebrates-memorial-day-with-sirens/article_889a13ce-f1e7-53eb-8dc8-b0e314c45029.html 

Memorial Day celebration has deep meaning in Falls

By Diane Davies-Dixon

Veterans march in Falls Memorial Day parade
Diane Davies-Dixon/Photo

“Left, left, left, right, left” came from the distance as the parade march began.

With the sun shining and light breeze, it was the perfect day for a Memorial Day parade.

On Sunday, the Falls Township parade marched from Pennsbury High School in Falls, made a left onto New Falls Road and continued to Historic Fallsington.

For those who served in the military the celebration has a deep meaning.

Bill Young of Middletown served in the military.

“I was in the Army National Guard when I was young,” said Young. “I have a soft spot for this day and the people who come and pay respect.”

And for those who did not serve but had loved ones who did, the feelings were just as strong.

Theresa Kaminski of Falls has pride in her country.

“I am proud of those guys,” said Kaminski. “I have an uncle who died in Germany and a cousin who died in the Phillipines.”

 “I am proud of the people who serve our country,” said Kaminski. “And I am proud of our parade.”

Remember, never forget was the message as one of the participants walked along imprisoned in a bamboo jail. POW flags blew in the wind from the roof of his cell.

Diane Davies-Dixon/Photo

Krystin Loncosky of Falls is thankful for freedom.

“I have a brother in the Air Force and I am proud of all the fighting for our freedom,” said Loncosky.
Also, her husband, Joey, was in the Air Force. For him the day is about recognizing and remembering.

“This day is for remembering those who gave everything for our country and recognizing those who currently are serving,” said Joey.

Commander Robert J. Tracey, Grand Marshal Albert McClain, Rep. John Galloway, Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick, American Legion Post No. 960, Pennsbury High School Marching Band, Falls Township American Legion Post No. 834, VFW Post No. 6495 and Ladies Auxiliary, Fairless Hills Lodge No. 776 Free and Accepted Masons, the Girl Scouts of Eastern PA, Cub Scout Pack 100 and many others participated in the parade.

Also, fire departments from Falls, Fairless Hills, Levittown, Morrisville, Tullytown and Yardley drove along in honor of the fallen soldiers

Many Fire Departments in Falls Memorial day parade
Diane Davies-Dixon-Photo

Middletown has first their first July 4 parade

Diane Davies-Dixon Correspondent | 0 comments

Residents of Middletown have waited a long time for a parade in town. Some have waited a whole lifetime.

And this year they got it.

This year they didn't have to pack up the family and travel to give their children the experience of watching a parade.

"I am so glad the parade is local and I can walk to it and see neighbors," said Jamie Neiman, 38, of Middletown.

"The Fourth of July makes everyone proud of their country," she said.

For the 38 years she lived in Middletown there was never a parade. She had to go to other townships if she wanted to see one.

Middletown celebrated America's birthday with a July 4 parade Wednesday. There was an abundance of support and respect from the community proving that people have not forgotten the reason for the celebration.

Residents lined the streets dressed in red, white and blue. They came out to celebrate the country’s freedom. Families scattered about in chairs and on blankets with flags in hand displaying pride in the country and delight for a parade in town.

"It is about time we have a parade," said Jay Domback, of Middletown.

His thoughts were echoed by other residents of the town.

to read more go to: http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/local/courier_times_news/middletown-has-its-first-july-fourth-parade/article_e4acfc36-8858-59bd-9c22-5cd0eb9b3a0b.html

Croydon memorial day parade

By Diane Davies-Dixon Correspondent | 0 comments

Traffic came to a halt on State Road as the parade drew near. Despite the heat, hundreds of people came to the Croydon Memorial Day parade to display their appreciation of veterans.

The parade featured the honor guard from Croydon’s Joseph A. Schumacher VFW Post 1597, the Harry S. Truman High School marching band, members of the Croydon Town Watch, Knights of Columbus Pius XII Council No. 4765, Boy Scouts, elected officials, the Croydon Civic Association and others.

Some veterans who came to watch the parade said they felt deeply appreciated by the crowd.

Francis R. De Mezza, 89, of Levittown, a U.S. Army veteran of World War II has attended the Croydon parade for the last 20 years, in part for the feel of patriotism from the day.

This day gives De Mezza and other veterans a chance to come together again.

“Every year there is a declining number of World War II veterans. They are leaving us every year,” said De Pezza. “The gap of World War II veterans will never be refilled.”

Pleased that VFW posts remain active and continue to serve veterans, he appreciates the parade.

“I hope the tradition continues on. God bless America,” said De Pezza.

to read more go to: http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/local/courier_times_news/croydon-parade-shows-appreciation-for-veterans/article_0cd6444d-d2a8-561b-a00d-16923052e4f6.html