South Pittsburgh veterans groups honor comrades on Memorial Day
Service groups in the South Pittsburgh area will hold special Memorial Day services this weekend to commemorate their comrades and remember those who sacrificed for their country.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Mount Washington Post 5111 will hold Memorial Day services on Sunday, May 29 at 2 p.m. at the Duquesne Incline.
Those who have served and those currently serving will be honored. Post Commander Russell Flaherty and Honor Guard Richard Baum will conduct the ceremony. Alan Young will read the names of the 31 Mount Washington veterans who lost their lives during the war.
Students from Bishop Leonard – St. Mary's and Whittier schools will receive awards for their participation in the post's educational programs.
Short programs will take place at Boggs Avenue at 1 p.m .; St. Mary's, 1:15 p.m .; and, Whittier School, 1:45 p.m. Jim Noland will conclude the program by singing "God Bless America."
Representatives from the South Side Hill Top Memorial Day Parade Committee, in lieu of a parade, will lay wreaths and fire rifle salutes at various monuments and churches throughout South Pittsburgh neighborhoods.
The schedule follows with all events taking place on Monday, May 30. All times are approximate.
• 8 a.m ., South Side Riverfront Park
Wreath placed by Councilman Bruce Kraus and Reggie Wrzesinski. South Side Hilltop Color Guard (SSHCG)
• 8:20 a.m ., Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6675
Wreath placed by John Horback and Michael Romaniello or Dennis Schlegle. SSHCG
South Side Library monument
Wreath placed by Councilman Kraus. SSHCG
• 8:45 a.m ., Fire Station 24
Wreath placed by District Judge Eugene Ricciardi and Kraus. SSHCG
• 8:50 a.m ., Polish Veterans Club
Wreath placed by Mr. Wrzesinski. SSHCG
• 9:10 a.m ., Vietnam Monument
Wreath placed by Glenn Connors. Vietnam Veterans Color Guard
• 9:15 a.m ., 10
th Street Monument
Wreath placed by Nester Werkstien. SSHCG
• 9:30 a.m ., 12
th Street Monument
Wreath placed by John Horback. SSHCG
• 10:00 a.m ., Zone 3 Police Station
Wreath placed by Councilman Kraus and Mr. Wrzesinski. SSHCG
• 10:30 a.m ., Mount Oliver Firehouse
Wreath placed by Mount Oliver Mayor Jeff Repasky. SSHCG
• 10:45 a.m ., McDonald's Monument
Wreath placed by Ann Scharding, Mayor Repasky and Judge Ricciardi. SSHCG
• 11 a.m. South Side Cemetery monument
Wreath placed by Mr. Horback and Boy Scouts. SSHCG
• 11:30 a.m ., Cemetery Bandstand
Wreath placed by South Side Hilltop Memorial Day Parade Committee. SSHCG
A brief service will be held at Saint Adalbert's cemetery immediately following the South Side Cemetery service and then a brief service will be held at Saint Clair Post 694 American Legion in front of the monument at 1751 Arlington Avenue.
Prior to the Memorial Day services, volunteers will place wreaths at Saint Michael's Cemetery, Saint Joseph's Cemetery, Saint George's Cemetery, Saint Peter's Cemetery, Saint George's Church and the Honor Roll on Warrington Avenue.
The 2011 South Side Hilltop Memorial Day Committee includes: Donald (Reggie) Wrzesinski, chairman and marshal, American Legion Post 694; Bruce Kraus, honorary chairman, City of Pittsburgh District 3 Councilman; Ronald Tuttle, chief of staff, American Legion Post 725; Curtis Schmitt, officer of the day, American Legion Post 725; James D. Boyle, Secretary, American Legion Post 694; Edward Skeehan, public relations, Catholic War Veterans Post 1522; Erm Buccina, chaplain, American Legion Post 694; Carl Cantella, Finance Officer, American Legion Post 725; and, John Horback, ways and means, American Legion Post 694.