“We have so much to be grateful for this holiday weekend,” Schindler, adjutant general of Pennsylvania, told the crowd gathered at Lycoming County Veterans Memorial Park, Williamsport, on the sun-splashed morning.

The monuments at Memorial Park are a testament to the sacrifices of the community, which included so many veterans who gave their lives in time of war, Schindler said.

The battle for freedom continues with American service members still in harm’s way, he added.

“Remember what it took for us to assemble here,” he said.

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent The Korean War Veterans color guard stands ready during the annual Memorial Day service at Lycoming County Veterans Park on Saturday, May 25, 2024. Presented by the Lycoming County Veterans Council, Inc., the event featured guest speaker, MG. Mark J. Schindler, Adjunct General of Pennsylvania.

Schindler said it’s important to acknowledge the loved ones of fallen combat veterans, including the Gold Star Mothers and their families.

Frank Hartzel, chaplain for the local Korean War veterans, noted that Williamsport is just one of many communities recognizing those who gave their lives for their nation over the weekend.

“It calls us to teach our young children of our history,” said Hartzel, an Air Force veteran.

Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter said Memorial Day always reminds him of his father, a Vietnam veteran who served in the Air Force.

“We remember fallen servicemen and women,” he said. “We owe them an immense amount of gratitude.”

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Veterans organizations place wreaths at each of the monuments during the annual Memorial Day service at Lycoming County Veterans Park on Saturday, May 25, 2024. Presented by the Lycoming County Veterans Council, Inc., the event featured guest speaker, MG. Mark J. Schindler, Adjunct General of Pennsylvania.

Howard Wilt, a U.S. Marine veteran who served in the Korean War, saluted all the volunteers who have worked to make Memorial Park a place to honor fallen veterans.

“It’s been a privilege for me to be part of this park,” said Wilt, who serves as chair of the Park Commission.

He gave special recognition to John Markley of the Park Commission for all his work.

“This park is part of my heart and soul,” Markley said. “We really dedicate our time up here. We don’t do it for us. We do it to honor the names on those monuments.”

The park, he added, remains a work in progress.

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Veterans organizations place wreaths at each of the monuments during the annual Memorial Day service at Lycoming County Veterans Park on Saturday, May 25, 2024. Presented by the Lycoming County Veterans Council, Inc., the event featured guest speaker, MG. Mark J. Schindler, Adjunct General of Pennsylvania.

He thanked everyone who has thrown their support behind it.

The ceremony included the laying of wreaths on each of the monuments dedicated to the various conflicts involving the nation. Numbers of American casualties of each war were cited.

The Korean War Veterans did a rifle salute and retiring of colors.

Hartzel gave the invocation and benediction.

Nick Biddle sang the National Anthem and other musical selections.

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Howard Wilt speaks on behalf of the Veterans Memorial Park Commission during the annual Memorial Day service at Lycoming County Veterans Park on Saturday, May 25, 2024. Presented by the Lycoming County Veterans Council, Inc., the event featured guest speaker, MG. Mark J. Schindler, Adjunct General of Pennsylvania.

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent MG. Mark J. Schindler, Adjunct General of Pennsylvania, addresses the crowd during the annual Memorial Day service at Lycoming County Veterans Park on Saturday, May 25, 2024.

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent MG. Mark J. Schindler, Adjunct General of Pennsylvania, addresses the crowd during the annual Memorial Day service at Lycoming County Veterans Park on Saturday, May 25, 2024.

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Korean War Veterans chaplain, Frank Hartzel offers the invocation during the annual Memorial Day service at Lycoming County Veterans Park on Saturday, May 25, 2024. Presented by the Lycoming County Veterans Council, Inc., the event featured guest speaker, MG. Mark J. Schindler, Adjunct General of Pennsylvania.

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Howard Wilt speaks on behalf of the Veterans Memorial Park Commission during the annual Memorial Day service at Lycoming County Veterans Park on Saturday, May 25, 2024. Presented by the Lycoming County Veterans Council, Inc., the event featured guest speaker, MG. Mark J. Schindler, Adjunct General of Pennsylvania.

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter comments during the annual Memorial Day service at Lycoming County Veterans Park on Saturday, May 25, 2024. Presented by the Lycoming County Veterans Council, Inc., the event featured guest speaker, MG. Mark J. Schindler, Adjunct General of Pennsylvania.

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Gary Reaser of Williamsport, a former Civil War re-enactor, pauses at the World War II memorial during the annual Memorial Day service at Lycoming County Veterans Park on Saturday, May 25, 2024. Presented by the Lycoming County Veterans Council, Inc., the event featured guest speaker, MG. Mark J. Schindler, Adjunct General of Pennsylvania.

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Gabe Sinicropi steps in as master of ceremonies during the annual Memorial Day service at Lycoming County Veterans Park on Saturday, May 25, 2024. Presented by the Lycoming County Veterans Council, Inc., the event featured guest speaker, MG. Mark J. Schindler, Adjunct General of Pennsylvania.