2021 MEMORIAL DAY SERVICES
Monday , May 31 , 2021 marked the annual celebration of Memorial Day in the United States and the Borough of Jefferson Hills . The Borough has a long tradition of celebrating Memorial Day , with 2021 being the 59th year of services being held . Since 1961 , the Borough has come together to honor those who have served in the armed forces and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their nation .
Services began at 10:00 a . m . at the Jefferson Hills Fire Rescue ( JHFR ) - Floreffe Station Honor Roll . With participation from JHFR – 885 Station , JHFR – Floreffe Station , Elrama Volunteer Fire Company , SouthEast Regional EMS , and the Jefferson Hills Police Department , vehicles blasted their lights and sirens to signal the start of the service .
Chuck Cudlipp of JHFR – Floreffe Station , emceed the service as he has for over 20 years . Korean War Veteran Robert Seleski offered the invocation and Mr . Cudlipp then read a poem . Borough Council President Karen Bucy served as the guest speaker . The raising of the flag was performed by United States Marine Joe Barkovich , Army Infantryman Dwayne Hinkle , Army Infantryman Zane Hershberger , Army Paratrooper John Kelly , and Navy Veteran Brandon Neal .
There were then three wreaths placed at the Honor Roll by Veterans and members of the Jefferson Hills Police Department . The first wreath laid by Lieutenant Kevin King and Robert Seleski ; the second by Sergeant Stephaine Behers and Brandon Neal ; and the third by Officer Shawn Revis and John Kelly . The ceremony concluded with the playing of “ Taps .” Refreshments provided by the fire department were served after the ceremony concluded .
Following the ceremony at JHFR – Floreffe Station , Mayor Jan Cmar hosted a service at Lobb ’ s Cemetery . The ceremony began with a flag raising and presentation of color by the Boy Scouts Troop # 1843 . An invocation was then delivered by United States Army Veteran Rev . Floyd Hughes of Crossroads Community Church .
Pennsylvania State Representative of the 39th Legislative District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives , Mike Puskaric , served as the guest speaker for the service . Maurice Arnold Jr , Operations Specialist First Class of the United States Navy during the Vietnam War , recalled stories and memories from his time in the service as the Veteran speaker of the event .
The service concluded with Mayor Cmar and Mr . Arnold placing a wreath to honor those who are at rest in the cemetery . Members of the Thomas Jefferson High School Marching Band closed the ceremony by playing “ Taps ” for those in attendance .
The Borough of Jefferson Hills wishes to thank everyone who contributed to the planning and execution of this year ’ s Memorial Day services . The Borough also wants to thank the residents who attended these important ceremonies . Most importantly , the Borough sincerely thanks those who have served and those currently serving in our nation ’ s military !
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1 . The Honor Roll at JHFR - Floreffe Station following the wreath laying . 2 . Sargeant Stephaine Behers and Brandon Neal laying the second wreath . 3 . ( Left to right ) The raising of the flag by Army Paratrooper John Kelly , Marine Joe Barkovich , Army Infantryman Dwayne Hinkle , Army Infantryman Zane Hershberger , and Navy Veteran Brandon Neal . 4 . Korean War Veteran Robert Seleski delivering remarks at the Floreffe Fire Hall service . 5 . PA State Representative Mike Puskaric delivering his remarks at Lobb ’ s Cemetery . 6 . Borough of Jefferson Hills Mayor Jan Cmar thanking guests for attending the services . 7 . ( Left to right ) Chuck Cudlipp reading a poem at the Floreffe Fire Hall service , pictured alongside Robert Seleski , Council Vice President Dave Montgomery , Council President Karen Bucy , Councilwoman Vickie Ilease , and Councilwoman Melissa Steffey .
WEST JEFFERSON HILLS ❘ SUMMER 2021 45