Memorable Memorial Day in Middletown

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. While I have never served the armed forces or active reserves, I certainly have great respect for those who have. And this year I made it a point to attend a few very special celebrations in remembrance of our veterans both living and deceased.

I started my day at 7:30 a.m. with some coffee and a quick jaunt to on North Pennell Rd. The office was the site for the rededication of the Honor Roll that named the township’s 160 residents that died during World War II. As a board member of the Middletown Township Historical Society, I was proud to represent our group by being in attendance, and hoping to see a fellow MTHS member and friend Larry Weathers Jr. Larry, you see, was instrumental in taking township resident Walter Kearney’s idea to restore the old memorial and having it once again be a proper reminder to the township residents of who, in our community, died while protecting our freedom. In ill health, Larry was still able to rally some local residents and businesses to make it all happen. It was all the more special for Larry, as he was in attendance 68 years ago when the Honor Roll was originally installed in front of the Weathers Store on the Baltimore Pike in Lima. Larry was one of the boy scouts from his troop that was in attendance. Another special guest was Miriam Horrocks Isenberg, whose late husband, Michael, was the pilot of the second hijacked plane that hit the World Trade Towers on 9/11. She was presented with the American Legion Heritage Medal in recognition of her husband’s sacrifice. Who doesn’t remember where they were when that tragedy took place?

After the rededication ceremony in Middletown, my wife Sandy and I jumped in our little two-seater Cadillac and headed to . We contemplated working our way into the line of cars that would be carrying some of the local dignitaries in the parade, but thought better of it and took a seat at the old municipal building on State Street. There, we were treated to the laying of the wreath in front of the Veterans Memorial at State and Jackson streets, a volley of salutatory gunfire, and a rendition of taps in honor of our fallen heroes. The cars and Band made their way up State and the kids on the curb were happy to receive some treats passed out from the parade cars going by. And it was certainly an honor to see a number of veterans from past wars including Middletown Township’s own John Wilson, 87, who served in the US Army from 1940-45 with the 100th Infantry Division.

Since it was such a fine day for parades, we ventured back to Middletown and headed to Rockdale. If you don’t know it, Rockdale is one of the small communities that make up the old mill areas of Middletown and Aston Townships that had been started centuries ago. Rockdale is full of, as you may have guessed; large rock formations and many steep streets and homes build into the side of hills. It is a great little town, and they hold a Memorial Day Parade complete with a Memorial Day Queen. I’ve heard Rockdale’s parade is one of the oldest traditions in the county but haven’t found anyone to verify that fact. The parade, which runs a few blocks from the top of the hill "in town" down to Memorial Park is short and sweet, and culminates in fitting ceremony that commemorates the areas fallen soldiers.

All in all it was a fine day of memorial celebrations that was reported to be well attended throughout the community. And it should be, because these brave men and women that serve, and have served, in our military and armed forces deserve it. Hip, Hip, Hooray!