PHOTO BY CAROL SHETLER/The Luminary Program participants at the Memorial Day service at Pleasant Hill Cemetery on Monday May 25 were (front left to right): Logan Woolcock, Doris Babb, Valerie Ammar-Kodia; (Row 2): Ralph Marks, Abraham Pittenger, Lt. Samuel D. Shively and the Rev. James Savage.

HUGHESVILLE – “Some of our defenders will be forever young,” said Retired Lt. Samuel D. Shively, program speaker for the Memorial Day Service at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Hughesville. The Clinton Township resident cited examples of those whose lives were taken during military duty, therefore they will remain forever young. “Those who sacrificed and those who returned are the ones who allow us to gather here today,” Shively said.

“This is not a day for picnics, beaches or race cars. I know I’m speaking to the choir,” he said, and thanked the audience for attending and being examples to the younger generation.

The younger generation was well represented with nearly 40 members of the Hughesville High School Spartan Marching Band and the Hughesville Boy Scout Troop.

The band was directed by Geoffrey Harman and student drum major Rilynn Temple. Taps were played by Kreg Heckel and Josh McGee.

The folding of the flag ceremony and its symbolism was explained by Post Commander Abe Pittenger, with Boy Scouts Gavin Bassler, Kurtis Johnson and Joe Barclay.

CAROL SHETLER/The Luminary A color guard from Glenn Sharrow American Legion Post 35 stands at attention while the flag is folded by Hughesville Boy Scout Troop members Gavin Bassler, Kurtis Johnson and Joe Barclay. The symbolic description was giving by Post Commander Abraham Pittenger during Memorial Day ceremonies at Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

Commander Pittenger introduced Logan Woolcock, ‘Outstanding Eighth Grade Student’ who recited the “Gettysburg Address,” while Auxiliary President Doris Babb introduced Valerie Ammar-Khodia, ‘Outstanding Eighth Grade Girl” who recited “In Flanders Field.”

Others in the ceremony were the Rev. James Savage of New Life Church, Pennsdale, and Ralph Marks, Master of Arms.

Doors were open to the public all day at the home of Sharrow American Legion Post #35 for refreshments and viewing their collections of military memorabilia.