Aspinwall Memorial Day plans include a flyover, service, parade with 26 units

Aspinwall will honor military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice with a parade and service on Memorial Day.

Festivities will begin with a flyover and service at 11 a.m. May 27 outside American Legion Post 77 along Commercial Avenue.

There will be a color guard and a 21-gun salute along with the playing of taps.

Guest speakers will offer remarks. The speaker lineup has not yet been released.

Memorial Day coordinator Barbara Leonard said 26 groups have signed up to be in this year’s parade. Among them are Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, the Fox Chapel Area High School band and cheerleaders, Pittsburgh Firefighters Memorial Pipe Band, Patriotic Brass Band, the Aspinwall Chamber of Commerce and drivers of antique Army trucks and other vehicles.

Groups will line up about 11 a.m. near the intersection of Commercial Avenue and Alley A behind the bank.

Fire departments will line up their trucks along Second Street. The parade will begin at noon.

It will follow its original route starting on Commercial Avenue. It will proceed onto Eastern Avenue, then to Second Street; Second Street to Virginia Avenue; Virginia Avenue to Fourth Street; Fourth Street to Western Avenue; Western to Second Street; and then down Center Avenue and back to Commercial Avenue.

The American Legion will be open after the parade. Businesses along Commercial Avenue also will have food and refreshments available.

This will be Leonard’s 10th year as Memorial Day coordinator. She plans to celebrate it with the same vigor as though it was her first.

“I’m gonna work my (butt) off that day,” she said. “We have volunteers that help to do the parking, help to do the lineup. We’re lining up as the service is going on.”

Leonard, 76, said she is most proud of how the parade has grown from a handful of marchers to an event many groups want to join.

“I love and I respect our veterans,” she said. “That’s where this comes from. That’s what gives me a lot of enjoyment, and the fact that the kids are so enthusiastic with being a part of the parade. Fortunately, at my age, I can still do this.”

Dawn Eastley, the borough’s assistant manager, summarized how the Aspinwall administration feels about Leonard’s efforts year after year.

“She’s the best,” Eastley said.

Planning for the parade beings in January. Borough administrative assistant Brian Corey-O’Connor assists with parade lineup and volunteer organization.

In keeping with Aspinwall tradition, children are invited to follow the parade on their bicycles.

People who want to volunteer or donate to the event can contact the borough office at 412-781-0213.