Long-running memorial service gets military flyover
CRANBERRY TWP — Hosting the township’s annual Memorial Day ceremony isn’t exactly a happy occasion for Rex Brown, but he was pleased to finally get a flyover from a military C-17 to cap off events Sunday afternoon, May 28.
“It’s really hard to get a flyover — we were really fortunate,” said Brown, chairman of the township Veterans Memorial Committee and retired member of the U.S. Army and Air Force. “They were all booked up, and I got a call from one of the pilots who said, ‘We just got a request from the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.’
“We’re keeping our fingers crossed that that all happens again next year.”
While Memorial Day is a somber holiday of remembrance of those who died in military service, many people attend Cranberry Township’s ceremony in North Boundary Park each year to commemorate the day with others. In addition to the flyover, the ceremony included military representatives, who placed wreaths for each branch of service, the release of doves and a 21-gun salute.
This was the 24th year the township has had the service, and according to Brown, who has hosted the ceremony for about 10 years, many people have been supportive since the beginning.
“We’re proud to serve for them, along with the Marine Corps League, our VFW (Post 879) and the township — the township really kicks into high gear,” Brown said. “They do a beautiful job of helping us get ready.”
Guest speaker this year was Alecia Hutsler, a retired U.S. Air Force major, who said as a woman who comes from a family of veterans, she understands the honor in paying tribute to military personnel who died serving the country.
“With each ceremony year after year, I watched (my dad) teary-eyed, holding flags and just filled with pride,” Hutsler said in a speech at the ceremony. “It wasn’t long before he recruited his entire family to help; His brother, my brother, my sisters and I joined them as well.”
Hutsler added that she is passing down her appreciation for military service to her children, who also were at the ceremony to pay their respects.
Brown said he is always happy to see so many people attend the Memorial Day event in Cranberry Township, so that the people who died serving the country can be honored by as many people as possible.
“We’re here to remember those who have given the ultimate,” Brown said. “A lot of us spent many years in the military. It’s a day for us to honor those who weren’t able to come back. It’s our honor and privilege.”
