Memorial Day ceremonies in the Upper Perkiomen Valley began Monday morning with a prayer and a salute to veterans at the Veterans Memorial on Main Street in Red Hill.

            It was followed by a parade down Main Street from Fourth Street in East Greenville to Third Street in Pennsburg, ending at St. Mark's Church Cemetery on Penn Street.

            The parade, under the planning of the American Legion Post #184, Tri Boro Marine Corp League #598, and VFW Post #5954, featured veterans, members of patriotic groups and families, the Upper Perkiomen High School Marching Band, motorcycles, local scout groups, local police and officials, and more.

            After reaching the cemetery and following a series of patriotic numbers by the well-received Red Hill Band, Tri Boro Marine Corp League's Dan Mack presented opening remarks. The invocation and prayer were offered by Pastor Serena Sellers of St. Mark's Church.  That was followed by a reading of John McCrae's poem "In Flanders Fields", by Donn Wyze, President of the VFW Post #5954 Auxiliary.  The poem was followed by a reading of Moina Michael's response poem "We Shall Keep the Faith", by Kathy Fitzgerald, secretary of the American Legion Post #184 Auxiliary.

            Introduction of local officials in attendance as well as the family members of this year's honoree, Harold E. Pop Schultz, followed.  Harold, formerly of East Greenville, passed away on March 14, 2023.  He enlisted in the Navy when he was 17 years old and attained the rank of Seaman, 2nd Class during his time in the service.  He was the last surviving World War II veteran in the American Legion Post #148.

            Speaker Ryan Aument, who serves as Senator Dave McCormack's state director, spoke of the sacrifices made by veterans and their families and thanked them.  During his closing remarks he said, "[We are] remembering those who couldn't be here."  Aument served as a captain in the U.S. Army during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

            The event concluded with a rifle volley by members of the Veteran groups and the playing of Taps.