Sewickley Prepares for Annual Memorial Day Observance

Now that  and Sewickley  have come and gone, Sewickley Borough is preparing for a more somber, patriotic occasion: the 120th annual Memorial Day observance.

As of today, the is only 10 days away and committee members are preparing diligently for next week’s events.

Sewickley Mayor Brian Jeffe told borough council Monday night that the committee has done well with its fundraiser. No tax dollars are used for the event and committee members were asking residents for donations to help cover the $25,000 cost of the four-day celebration. About $10,000 was needed to cover the Friday night fireworks.

While several communities have canceled fireworks plans, Sewickley’s fireworks will go off this year, the same as last year, when the tradition to honor veterans was first started.

Borough Manager Kevin Flannery said some heavy-hitters are stepping up to help support the fireworks. Donation buckets will be set out at the event so that anyone from the general public who would like to can contribute toward costs.

The event takes place over four days, starting Friday, May 27, with a flag retirement ceremony at 6 p.m. in .  Organizers want to see Riverfront Park filled with people for the flag retirement ceremony, where patriotic music will be played at 7:30 p.m. with fireworks after dark.

The Zambelli fireworks display will be coordinated with a live broadcast in the park.

Separate Memorial Day services will follow on Saturday, May 28, and Sunday, May 29, before culminating Monday, May 30, with a parade and programs at Wolcott Park and Sewickley Cemetery. John Herbst, a World War II veteran and owner of Herbst Service Station on Thorn Street, will serve as the parade marshal.

Flannery said Sewickley’s event brings “dignity” to the Memorial Day weekend and helps educate the public about the holiday.  He said this is a time of remembrance and personal reflection for those who have served our nation.

“Honor them for their service,” he said.

Memorial Day Weekend of Events

Friday, May 27, at Riverfront Park

6 p.m. -- Flag retirement ceremony

7:30 p.m. -- Music from three bands

9 p.m. --  Fireworks celebration

Saturday, May 28

10:30 a.m. -- Memorial service aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Osage at McKnown Lane Dock

Sunday, May 29

11 a.m. – Veteran’s Memorial Service, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 616 Washington St.

Monday, May 30

10 a.m. – 120th annual parade

Immediately following – Program at Wolcott Park.

Immediately following – Program at Sewickley Cemetery. A shuttle bus will take participants to the Sewickley Cemetery for a memorial service.

Check back with Patch for more coverage of the borough's annual Memorial Day observance.