REMEMBER: Seventy-five years ago, the nation was very aware of the importance of honoring those who gave their lives through military service.
The Monday, May 31, 1943, edition of The Era, in reporting on the Memorial Day activities for the day, declared in its headline “Memorial Day Here Has New Significance.”
It reads, “A Memorial Day which carries with it perhaps more significance than any in the nation’s previous history will be observed in Bradford today with reverence and solemnity.
“The city will honor her war heroes, living and dead, with a five-division parade scheduled to move in West Washington street at 10:15. The line of march will take the motorless procession into Mechanic street, east in Main street, and north in Davis street to Hanley park, where impressive services have been arranged.
“The procession will be unlike any previous Memorial Day assemblage. New units, organized since 1942’s observance, will include Bradford’s platoon of the Pennsylvania State Guard, Co. A, 42nd county, Pennsylvania State Guard Reserves, the Civil Air Patrol, the Civil Air Patrol Cadets and the Ascension Cadets.
“Occasional rains are forecast, but weather conditions are unlikely to keep the crowds away. The pleasure driving ban will find most cars in their garages and there are few foolhardy persons who will attempt trips.
“In event of a severe storm, the program scene will be changed from Hanley park to the New Bradford theater.”
For our local ceremonies to be held today, the National Weather Service in State College is anticipating partly sunny skies with a slight chance of showers. Make sure to wear light clothing and drink plenty of water, as temperatures are expected to get up to 86 degrees.
