Aspinwall Memorial Day plans come together for May 29

It takes a lot of planning to put together one of the area’s largest commemorations honoring fallen and current military personnel.

Aspinwall’s annual Memorial Day service is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. May 29 in front of American Legion Post 77 along Commercial Avenue.

“Everything is on schedule,” said Barbara Leonard, who is organizing the event with Brian O’Connor. “We’re good to go. You have to plan it anywhere from six to eight months ahead of time.

“(We do it to) respect our veterans, deceased and alive. I also do it for the community. It’s very important for the community and for our children to recognize what our veterans have done for our freedom.”

A flyover, coordinated by retired Air Force Lt. Col. Joseph Posnik, is expected to kick things off.

The Patriotic Liberty Brass Band will play the national anthem and return later in the program to play taps.

The Rev. Scott Hill of Aspinwall Presbyterian Church will give the invocation and benediction.

William Jakovac, former commander of American Legion Post 77 in Aspinwall, will honor three veterans — Robert B. Bursey, Dennis L. Chamboredon and Edward J. Ziegler — who have been members of Post 77 for 50 years.

A parade will begin at the conclusion of the services. Thirty-seven groups are scheduled to participate.

They include the Fox Chapel Area High School band and cheerleaders, North Hills Antique Cars, M&M Railroad, Main Street Trolley, Aspinwall police, Pittsburgh firefighters, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office deputies, Foxwall EMS, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of Aspinwall and Fox Chapel, American Red Cross and Pennsylvania Dinosaurs.

It will follow its original route from Commercial Avenue at the borough building, left onto Eastern Avenue, right onto Second Street, left onto Virginia Avenue, left onto Fourth Street, left onto Western Avenue, left onto Second Street, right onto Center Avenue and left back onto Commercial Avenue.

Children are invited to follow the parade on their bicycles.

Leonard has served as Memorial Day coordinator for the past eight years. Her efforts to honor veterans do not go unnoticed.

“Barb is a true gem,” council President Tim McLaughlin said. “Her efforts have made this one of Aspinwall’s marquee events. Not a week goes by that I don’t tease Barb and say, ‘How’s the parade planning going?’

“The entire ceremony and parade are special for Aspinwall because it’s a perfect blend. The ceremony is a reflection of the meaning of the day and sets the tone for why we are here. The parade is a gentle reminder that the sacrifices of our fallen heroes had purpose. The sense of community is strong and prevalent all day long.”

Those who want to make monetary contributions can make checks out to Aspinwall and write “Memorial Day” in the memo line.

The borough office is at 217 Commercial Ave.