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On May 31, 2010, the communities of
Brookline, Dormont and Mount Lebanon came together for the annual Memorial
Day Parade. The parade began on Brookline Boulevard at Triangle Park.
The route proceeded to Pioneer Avenue, then on to West Liberty Avenue and
finally to Mount Lebanon Cemetery for the closing ceremonies. Thousands
of parade-goers lined Brookline Boulevard and the remainder of the parade
route to cheer on the many veteran and local organizations that made up
the mile-long procession.
This was the 77th year for the
local Memorial Day Parade. The 2010 parade was dedicated to the late U.S.
Army Lt. Col. Juanita Warman, who was one of twelve killed in the November
5th shooting at Fort Hood. Warman was once a resident of the South Hills.
The event was sponsored by the South Hills Memorial Day Association, the
Dormont Volunteer Fire Department, American Legion Post 540 in Mt. Lebanon,
American Legion Post 540 in Brookline, AARP Dormont Chapter 3016,
Brookline Chamber of Commerce and VFW Post 694 of Dormont, along with
several corporate sponsors.
The first official observance
of Memorial Day, then called Decoration Day, was held
May 30, 1868 at Arlington National Cemetery. The tradition began in 1865
with the decoration of Civil War soldier's graves in both the North and
South. By the end of the 19th century, local observances were commonplace
in cities and towns across the nation. After World War I, the day was
expanded to include soldier's from all American wars. In 1971, Memorial
Day was declared a national holiday by Act of Congress.
Memorial Day is a chance for all
Americans to honor those fallen heroes that gave the ultimate sacrifice
to preserve freedom, both here at home and abroad. It is also an opportunity
to celebrate the achievements of their comrades-in-arms who returned home
to the country they struggled so hard to protect. Finally, it is a time
to show our support for our sons and daughters serving in Iraq, Afghanistan
and on assignment in regional roles around the globe. Our thoughts and prayers
are with them and may God grant them safe passage home.
* Photos provided
by Clint Burton *
Links to other Memorial Day Parade Recaps:
1942 1955 1962 2012 2018 2019 |
