Perkasie Memorial Day program urges remembering true meaning drappedia
PERKASIE — After a two-year Covid-related absence, the Perkasie Memorial Day Parade was back Saturday, May 28..
“Great turn-out, a lot of flags being posted in the local houses and we just thank you for the enthusiasm and for the good spirit we saw as we came through the borough of Perkasie,” said Paul Clymer, commander of the Hartzell-Crouthamel Post No. 280 American Legion in Perkasie and master of ceremonies for the Memorial Day Service following the parade.
Memorial Day isn’t just the unofficial start of summer as it’s often referred to, speakers at the service said, encouraging those in attendance to remember the true meaning of the day — honoring those who died in active military service.
On Memorial Day, we pay respect and honor to all those people who gave the ultimate sacrifice,” said Craig Wilhelm, commander of the Nase-Kraft Post No. 255 American Legion in Sellersville.
Wilhelm, a Vietnam veteran, said 98 men in his company were killed during the time he was in Vietnam and he was one of only seven original company members to return home safe after his tour of duty.
“There is not a day that goes by that war veterans do not think about our buddies, our friends, our brothers and sisters that gave their lives during wartime,” Wilhelm said, “so, as you can hear, I and other veterans that are here today know the true meaning of Memorial Day.”
Along with patriotic music, the program included comments by Perkasie Mayor Jeff Hollenbach, Sellersville Mayor Tom Hufnagle, Silverdale Mayor Steve Cordell, Bucks County Commissioners Chair Bob Harvie and state Rep. Craig Staats – R, 145th Dist.
“We’re gathered here today to remember and honor our men and women in the armed forces, ordinary men and women who died while serving and protecting our great nation,” Staats said. “Today we must remember the sacrifice and bravery put forth by these individuals.”
Harvie spoke about Walter Wildman, a Bucks County resident who was killed in World War II and buried in Europe, but whose body was not identified, leaving him listed as missing in action until he was recently identified. His body was brought back to Bucks County and buried in Washington Crossing National Cemetery earlier in the week, Harvie, who was one of those who attended the burial, said.
This is a solemn day,” Harvie said at the Perkasie Memorial Day Service. “This is the most solemn holiday we have in the United States and I thank all of you for being here to recognize that.
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