Tamaqua salutes 91 in moving tribute

It was an extra special Memorial Day Monday in Tamaqua — a day of numbers, memories and tears.

For 150th time, the town of 7,000 saluted war heroes. But this event was different.

Instead of the usual tribute to all, the town paused to acknowledge its own, 91 heroes who paid the ultimate price for American freedom.

One by one, name placards were paraded proudly along Broad Street — a moving tribute in total silence Each sign was held by a descendant, friend or neighbor.

Some spectators wiped tears as the solemn procession passed.

In some cases, the family ties were obvious.

For instance, Mike Towle carried the name sign of Staff Sergeant John Towle.

“He was my great-uncle,” said Towle. Gary Myers carried the placard of Private First Class Archie Myers; Mary Linkevich carried the sign for Staff Sergeant Joseph Linkevich, and so on.

If a descendant couldn’t be located, volunteers from the community stepped forward to help. Nobody was forgotten. Each name was treated with care and dignity, and each was equally important as the next.

The moving procession of war heroes encompassed a distance of two city blocks and represented, perhaps, the first time the community publicly took inventory of its own losses in such a manner.

“Five different organizations helped with this,” said volunteer Nathan Johns of Tamaqua.

Emotions ran high among the parade goers. Some bowed their heads. Some saluted. Others simply stood and applauded each name as it passed.

“This is so impressive,” said Sharon Haldeman of Hometown.

Joanne Calabrese of New Ringgold, on hand with son, James, 9, said the tribute was especially moving, as James reacted to strains of music in the background.

“I like the bands,” said the youngster.

Another attendee said the day is one to cherish.

“I come out to all of the parades to pay my respect, to honor those who sacrificed their lives,” said Doug Springer of Walker Township.

The 150th anniversary of Memorial Day in Tamaqua and nationally coincides with the 250th anniversary of anthracite coal. To mark the occasion, two members of the Tamaqua Heritage Players dressed as miners and carried a banner denoting the special occasion.

The Tamaqua Historical Society also sponsored the appearance of a group of volunteers dressed in military regalia. The outfits represented a timeline of military uniforms from the Spanish-American War to the Gulf War.

Hundreds who lined the parade route were serenaded by selections by the Tamaqua Area High School Raider Band and the Rajah Temple Chanters.

A Victorian horse-drawn hearse carrying a flag-draped casket also was a highlight of the parade. The hearse’s glass sides were handlettered to read: Tamaqua Remembers: Celebrating, Honoring, Remembering — a reminder that the price of freedom is so often evident in family scars, harsh memories and bitter tears.