The parade formed at Stevens Mortuary at 10:30 a.m., and carried on over the 17th Street bridge to 12th Avenue before turning right on 12th Street to conclude with a presentation across from Heritage Plaza before noon.

Former City of Altoona Police Officer and Air Force Veteran Mike Blackie began the ceremony with a recognition of the challenging weather conditions.

“A day that seemed to cooperate with us, weather-wise. Personally, I’m going to thank the Lord for that,” Blackie said.

Monsignor Stanley Carson of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament delivered a prayer written for the occasion.

Members of the Altoona Area Junior High School marching band’s drum line perform along 12th Avenue in Altoona during the Memorial Day parade Monday. Mirror photo by Conner Goetz

“We thank you (God) for the delight of watching the parade and witnessing the march of heroic men and women who have so generously and courageously served our country,” Carson said.

Carson asked God to bless those who currently serve our country, and to protect their families from harm before handing off the podium to Dr. Derek Coughenour, director of the James Van Zandt VA Medical Center, following a flag raising ceremony conducted by members of VFW Post 3.

“Today we remember the heroes, many of them from Altoona, who gave their lives to defend freedom; they believed in and contributed to something bigger than themselves,” Coughenour said.

Coughenour brought attention to several servicemembers from Blair County whose remains were not able to be recovered, including Mugsy McGraw and Ed Szeyller, who lost their lives in WWII.

City Councilman Dave Butterbaugh delivered a proclamation for the 156th year of Memorial Day celebrations.

Carson

Butterbaugh said that City Council is pleased to offer its continued support of the Altoona War Veterans Council, which organizes the annual parade.

According to Butterbaugh, Memorial Day is an opportunity to “remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice, and especially to pray for the Gold Star families.”

The rain didn’t put a damper on the festivities, according to Butterbaugh.

“(The parade) was very well attended considering the weather, it was very nice to see everybody out,” Butterbaugh said. “Altoona is a very patriotic town.”

Air Force veteran Willard Boyer came to the Memorial Day parade in a distinctive red outfit, resplendent with the medals he earned over his 20-year career, which saw him serve across the globe from Vietnam to Germany.

Turnout for Monday’s Memorial Day parade in Altoona was good despite intermittent showers throughout the morning. “(The parade) was very well attended considering the weather, it was very nice to see everybody out,” city Councilman Dave Butterbaugh said. “Altoona is a very patriotic town.” Mirror photo by Conner Goetz

To Lynne McDonough, Memorial Day holds special significance as a chance to recognize the veterans in her family.

“It’s actually my birthday, Memorial Day, and it’s very important, my family is a military family and it’s very important to us … it’s very much about remembrance,” McDonough said.

Mirror Staff Writer Conner Goetz is at 814-946-7535.

A member of Show Twirlers performs during the Memorial Day parade on Monday in downtown Altoona. Mirror photo by Conner Goetz

A military vehicle taking part in the Memorial Day parade pays special tribute to two veterans as it moves along 12th Avenue in Altoona on Monday. Mirror photo by Conner Goetz

Coughenour

Air Force veteran Willard Boyer salutes the American flag atop Gospel Hill during Memorial Day ceremonies Monday in downtown Altoona. Mirror photo by Conner Goetz

Pastor Gary Dull (right) of Faith Baptist Church in Altoona carries the POW-MIA flag followed by flag bearers carrying the flags from the branches of the United States Armed Forces as they march along 12th Avenue in Altoona during the annual Memorial Day parade. Mirror photo by Conner Goetz