Ultimate sacrifice
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The military is a big part of Jack Corle's life.
A Vietnam veteran originally from Newport, R.I., who also lived in Manassas, Va., before moving to Altoona, said it was important to recognize the sacrifice of those who gave their lives for all wars on Memorial Day.
"It is honoring the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we may have freedom in this country," Corle said.
He was one of thousands attending the downtown Altoona Memorial Day parade Monday sponsored by the Blair County War Veterans Council.
He said Altoona is a nice community and he enjoys attending the parade on Memorial Day.
Corle's father served in World War II and the Korean War.
There were also many families attending with their kids who all had American flags in their hands.
Holly Dick of Altoona was attending the parade with her family as they do every year.
"It brings everyone together to celebrate the sacrifice that people have made for this country," she said, when asked why she thought the parade was important.
Dick said her children's favorite part of the procession was the fire trucks.
Those vehicles were part of the procession of various clubs and organizations, including veteran associations, Army vehicles, Jaffa clowns and Shriners and the Altoona Area High School Band, among others.
Lynn and Bobbi Smith said they also attend almost every year, even though they are from Bellwood.
"I love watching my grandkids enjoy the parade," Bobbi said.
She said in her family there are many veterans including her father, nephew, brother-in-law and many more.
"Events like these are important for the community because they bring people together despite the differences we may all have," Lynn said.
After the parade, John Clay, who is also a Navy veteran, opened the program, which included keynote speaker Tim Hileman and raising a flag in honor of a veteran who passed away this year.
"On this Memorial Day, we reflect and share the experiences of our fallen loved ones, but tomorrow and in the days that follow, we must act," Clay said.
Duty, honor, country -- they lived for it and they died for it, he said.
"As a nation, we must remind ourselves that the future they fought for, we must do our best to live up to those values in the days ahead," Clay said.
He recognized the active duty servicemen, veterans and Gold Star families in the audience.
Clay introduced Hileman, a command sergeant major for the Army National Guard, who retired in 2019.
"Today we remember and honor the ultimate sacrifice paid by our service men and women in defense of our nation," Hileman said.
As people prepared for gathering with their families and time off work, Hileman thought it was necessary to give the perspective of a World War II veteran.
As time goes on, the world is losing the thoughts, feelings and memories of those who witnessed firsthand the sacrifices of so many young Americans in World War II, he said.
Hileman shared the story of Ray Lambert, an Army medic during the invasion of France on the Normandy beaches during D-Day.
"His words embody what Memorial Day means to so many of us veterans," he said.
Hileman read Lambert's account of what happened on Omaha Beach, the landing area in Normandy.
Lambert and his brother both made it out of the battle alive.
"What kind of nation would we be if we remember these stories like Ray Lambert's -- we keep those memories alive by sharing with future generations no matter how tough they are to relive," he said.
Hileman asked everyone in the audience to honor those who died in the service of their country while they were enjoying their barbecues and family time.
"In the words of Ray Lambert, people should know what soldiers give up," he said. "Every man was a hero."
To end the program, a flag was raised in honor of Peter James Hart, a veteran who passed away this past January, followed by a 21-gun rifle salute and playing of taps.
Mirror Staff Writer Cati Keith is at 814-946-7535.