Hampton honors soldiers’ memories at Memorial Day ceremony

While well-intentioned, Lt. Col Elaine Berkowitz says it’s insensitive to people grieving the loss of a loved one to repeat the phrase “happy Memorial Day.” A better alternative is “I wish you a meaningful Memorial Day.”

“God bless the deceased soldiers who shall never be forgotten. God bless our present and retired military personnel. God bless the United States of America,” Berkowitz told a crowd filled with dozens of Hampton residents at the township’s May 29 Memorial Day observance.

Berkowitz, a Pittsburgh native, retired from the Army Reserves after 38 years of service and deploying four times. She’s also an award-winning dentist who is a member of a variety of military organizations, including the Reserve Officers Association, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

She recounted the history behind the holiday at the ceremony, organized by American Legion Post 296 and held at the Veterans Memorial Court outside the Hampton Community Center.

Formerly called Decoration Day, the observance started during the Civil War when citizens laid flowers at soldiers’ graves. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday on the last Monday in May, honoring military personnel who died while serving the nation.

“There are many things one can do to honor this day and soldiers’ memories. For instance, go to the graves of soldiers and place flowers,” Berkowitz said. “Go to Arlington Cemetery for a ceremony. Purchase poppies that the American Legion sells to raise money for soldiers for medical and financial needs. Attend a parade.”

Others echoed Berkowitz’s sentiments on the importance of Memorial Day. Garrett Gess said, “from Valley Forge to Vicksburg, from the Civil War to Civil Rights, from the Cold War to the War on Terror, Americans have always remembered that freedom is worth fighting for.”

“In times of war as well as times of peace, there have been heroes who have stepped up. It is important to remember that those heroes are mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters,” the Hampton High School senior said. “They stand in the face of danger and protect us from all that threatens us, sacrificing so much and asking so little in return.”

Gess believes the country must care for soldiers who didn’t return from war, as well as their families, who were “waiting, hoping and praying each day and every night for their loved ones to return home.”

At the ceremony, the Hampton High School Band played patriotic songs, including “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful.” Under the direction of Chad Himmler, the musicians also performed a “Marches of the Armed Forces” medley to invite veterans in the audience from every branch to the podium in recognition of their service.

Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts also played a prominent role in the observance. Boy Scouts recited the Pledge of Allegiance and Gettysburg Address, while Girl Scouts presented pink and white flowers at the Veterans Memorial Court.

Post 296 member Hal English, who directed the ceremony, encouraged Hampton residents who served during the Gulf War — from Aug. 2, 1990 to the present — to submit their information to www.hampton-pa.org/HamptonGulfWarVeteran by Nov. 11 so they are included in the township’s Gulf War Memorial Plaque, which he hopes will be completed by next Memorial Day. Those who served between the Korean War and Vietnam War or between the Vietnam War and Gulf War can also fill out the form.

“If you have a friend or a family member who’s a veteran, please inspire and encourage them to please sign up so that we can collect all the Hampton residents’ names who have served,” English said.

English thanked and mourned “those that died an early age on the battlefield so that all Americans can continue to enjoy freedom.” He introduced Post 296 Commander Mark Hieber, who also honored soldiers who gave their lives in service to the country.

“Let us not forget the loved ones left behind. Make ourselves the friend, brother and sister, son and daughter, father and mother to those who will not see their own again,” he said. “May we keep steadfast in the cause of human rights and liberties, of law and order, privilege and duty of patriotism.”