Memorial Day 2020: Pausing to remember America’s fallen heroes

WILKES-BARRE — Most public ceremonies and parades honoring our fallen heroes on this Memorial Day have been cancelled or postponed.

So to help appropriately honor all veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedom, we asked our state and federal legislators to offer their thoughts why it is so important to remember our heroes during this COVID-19 pandemic.

U.S. Army MSG John Paul Karpovich said unfortunately with the current situation, options are limited, but not impossible.

“We may not be able to pay tribute to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country by attending a parade, going to a Veterans Service Organization to listen to those who survived conflicts tell the stories of their friends who did not make it home, or have a big family cookout where we pause to remember those who were killed in action,” Karpovich said.

“But what we can do is say a prayer for the fallen and remember them. People can also set an empty plate at their dinner table as a reminder of what so many gave up in order for us to be here today. If you pray before meals, include them in your prayers.

“As long as you take a moment to pause and think about those who were called to serve our nation and never made it home, the price that they paid will not be forgotten.”

Karpovich said the Wyoming Valley Veterans Day Parade Committee has had to cancel its last two meetings in planning for the November event. He said a Zoom meeting will be held to continue discussing plans for this year’s parade.

”We have already reached out to a General Officer to be the Reviewing Officer,” Karpovich said. “We have floated some parade themes via email. Plans for the 2020 Wyoming Valley Veterans Day Parade are continuing to move forward.

He said AMVETS Post 59 cancelled its Memorial Day Parade in Hanover Township this year, as did many others. Karpovich is hoping that the 2020 Veterans Day Parade will still take place.

More thoughts on Memorial Day 2020

Sen. John Yudichak,I-Swoyersville

“General George Marshall, the architect of America’s war effort in World War II, and the rebuilding of Europe after the war once said: ‘The soldier’s heart, the soldier’s spirit, the soldier’s soul, are everything.’

“As Americans ponder a Memorial Day like no other in our nation’s history, we must resolve to have the heart, the spirit, and the soul of a soldier to weather a global pandemic that has brought death and disruption to every country in the world.

“On this unique Memorial Day, with no parades in our streets, no services in our churches and no sounds of Taps echoing through our cemeteries — let us honor America’s veterans by mirroring their distinguished example of service and sacrifice by coming together as a nation to build a stronger, more united America.

“Thank you to America’s veterans for your service to our nation, and for serving now as an inspiration to all of us in one of our country’s darkest hours. God Bless our Veterans, and God Bless the United States of America.”

Sen. Lisa Baker, R-Lehman Township

”Over the years, veterans, speakers, and commentators have frequently lamented that Memorial Day has become too commercialized, with too many events and distractions far distant from its purpose.

“In the midst of the tragic coronavirus emergency, one thing nearly everyone has is time, and many are searching for purpose.

“The first thing people might consider is to seek out reflections and remembrances from veterans and their families. It is important to share things that relate to those who served, those who sacrificed, their hopes and dreams, the family and friends they left behind, and how profoundly grateful we are for what they preserved and protected — our nation and all its freedoms and opportunities.

“We can also go to gravesites and memorials to place flowers or remembrances, consistent with the practice upon the establishment of Decoration Day after the Civil War.”

U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-Moosic

“No matter how you celebrate it, let’s remember what Memorial Day is all about — honoring our fallen heroes of war.

“The best way to do that, this year and every year, is by lifting up their stories and ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten.”

“This year, I think of Scranton’s own fallen World War II airman Staff Sergeant Joseph Eugene Prokop. We honored him a few months ago on the 75th anniversary of his death, a few weeks after it was revealed that he was executed by the German Gestapo, not killed when his bomber crashed as previously believed.

“Sharing these stories and memories, on social media or even with the Veterans History Project, is something simple we all can and should do to honor what they gave for our freedom.”

U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Dallas

“Memorial Day Weekend is very special to Americans. It is a time to memorialize those who gave their lives for our country.

“Typically, as a member of Congress, there are patriotic parades, cookouts, and events at many firehouses and veterans’ halls.

“This year, in order to pay tribute to our fallen heroes, we will fly the flag, post on social media, and talk about those we knew who fought for our country as well as the proud history of the United States of America — how much we have overcome and how we continue to do our best to make the world a better place.

“We honor those who were on the front lines and made the ultimate sacrifice.”

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Scranton

“Given the current circumstances, I encourage Pennsylvanians to follow the guidance of local and state public health officials.

“On this Memorial Day, in the safety of our homes, we should take a moment of silence to remember the service and sacrifice of those who have fought to keep us safe and protect our way of life.

“For those who have flags, I would also encourage them to fly them at half-mast.”

U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Lehigh Valley

“Our country and our world are safer because of the courage, fortitude, and heroism of Pennsylvanians who answered the call of duty.

“While we will observe Memorial Day differently this year than we have in years past, its meaning is no less relevant and important.

“Each of us should take time to remember those who fought and died for our freedom, and rededicate ourselves to honoring their sacrifice.”