Paula Keryeski of Lower Burrell pauses when she thinks about what Memorial Day means to her.

Sitting in the shade at Stewart Elementary School in Lower Burrell on Monday morning, she and her husband, Michael, watched as the city’s Memorial Day parade passed by. She said her father, Richard Szymkewicz, served in the Marines.

“He was so proud to be a Marine,” she said.

She and Michael said they are thankful for those who serve in the military. Paula said it brings a tear to her eye when thinking about those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“It means a lot to us, it really does,” she said.

The Lower Burrell Memorial Day parade was one of many remembrance ceremonies, parades and events scattered throughout the region on Memorial Day.

The parade began at 11 a.m. at Lower Burrell City Hall and proceeded down Leechburg Road, to the American Legion on Wildlife Lodge Road.

Parade participants included veterans, Lower Burrell city officials, area first responders, area businesses and organizations and the Burrell High School marching band.

Serena Timko and her family sat outside friend Christina Samay’s house along Leechburg Road to watch the parade. The Tarentum family said they looked forward to spending time with friends and family and remembering those who served.

Kierra Timko, 5, said she looked forward to watching cheerleaders in the parade. Her brother, Kaynan Timko, 4, was excited to see firetrucks.

Samay said Memorial Day is a time to honor those who aren’t here and to be with friends and family.

“I look forward to seeing all the different companies here and all the people that come out,” she said, waiting for the parade to begin. “It’s a great community.”

In Arnold, members of the Joint Veterans Committee gathered for a short service at the city’s Roosevelt Park on Monday morning.

Pat Fraino of New Kensington read a short overview of the history of the day. Fraino, a Korean War veteran, said Memorial Day is a remembrance for those who gave their lives fighting for freedom and has been recognized for more than 100 years.

Members laid wreaths on behalf of the Gold Star Mothers, DAV Chapter 53 and American Legion posts 347 and 684.

The committee then went to the Gold Star Mothers Monument in New Kensington for another program.

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