May 27, 2019 - Brookline Memorial Day Parade

Brookline Memorial Day Parade
May 27, 2019
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On May 27, 2019, the communities of Brookline, Dormont and Mount Lebanon came together once again for the 86th annual South Hills Memorial Day Parade. The parade begins on Brookline Boulevard at the Veteran's Memorial, located at the intersection with Queensboro Avenue, where the American flag was lowered to half-mast, followed by a brief ceremony and a bugler who played Taps.

The parade line featured several civic groups, veteran's organizations, a marching band, boy and girl scouts and various other attractions from the three-neighborhood district. It stretched from near Castlegate Avenue to Edgebrook Avenue. The parade march began at 10:30 and the procession started the journey to Mount Lebanon Cemetery. Along the way they were met with the enthusiastic cheers of thousands of flag-waving spectators who lined the parade route.

Following the lead of the police motorcycle escort, the parade flowed up Brookline Boulevard to Pioneer Avenue, then proceeded left to West Liberty Avenue. Another left took the line along West Liberty through the Boroughs of Dormont and Mount Lebanon. Once at the cemetery, somber closing ceremonies were conducted.

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 the Middle East and Afghanistan, and those on assignment in regional roles around the globe. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and may God grant them safe passage home.

In April 2011, Brookline historians Clint Burton and Doug Brendel did research to compile a list of Brookline servicemen who gave the ultimate sacrifice in battle from World War I through the present day War on Terror. All together they found the names of fifty-six casualties from the Community of Brookline. These are the young men that the Memorial Day Parade is all about. The names of these soldiers, sailors and airmen, and their lasting memory, are what is being honored on this solemn day, now and for generations to come.