Patriotism was on full-display Monday during the annual Memorial Day parade in Lower Burrell.
Carla McMeans volunteers year-round as coordinator of the annual parade which draws thousands of participants and parade watchers.
McMeans, a member of the American Legion Post 868 auxiliary, said the organization depends on the tireless efforts of fewer than a dozen core volunteers to make the event happen.
“It’s a huge event, a big undertaking, and it grows each year,” said McMeans of Washington Township. “It’s an honor because this day means a lot.”
This year, two Gold Star families rode in the parade that kicked off at 11 a.m. — family members of fallen soldiers Army Pfc. Roland Lee Bowser of New Kensington’s Mt. Vernon neighborhood and Marine Sgt. Vinson Pelisari Jr., also of New Kensington — with both men later honored during the post-parade ceremony at Post 868.
Gold Star families are relatives of the men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces who never made it home.
The parade lasted about 45 minutes.
Lower Burrell Mayor Chris Fabry said everyone lining the road to watch the parade is there for a unified reason.
“People in Lower Burrell truly understand the importance of Memorial Day. Families come out every year, not just to the parade but to the cemetery and American Legion services, to make sure the sacrifices of our service members are never forgotten,” Fabry said.
As the nation celebrates its 250th birthday this year, McMeans said it adds an extra meaningful layer to the day’s remembrances.
“This is to honor our fallen. This day is about them,” said McMeans of the parade, which has been a Lower Burrell tradition for more than 50 years.
Post 868 member Valerie McAleavey helped to prepare the Missing Man Table POW/MIA float.
“It’s something that’s really great for the community,” said McAleavey, who has volunteered for five years. Carla belts it out of the park each year.”
Thousands of parade-goers lined the 1.1-mile route that began at City Hall and went along Schreiber Street, Leechburg Road and concluded at the American Legion along Wildlife Lodge Road.
Ash, a Flemish Giant rabbit, was a newcomer to the parade this year. Owner and veteran Jason Warriner of New Kensington brought him along to participate in the parade. The rabbit is in training to become a therapy pet.
“People are usually in shock when they see him. I’m a former service member — U.S. Marine Corps — and I want to come out and remember what people did for our country,” Warriner said.
On assignment for the annual Lower Burrell Memorial Day Parade. @triblivepic.twitter.com/3p3Gp9IKeq
— Reporter Joyce Hanz (@hanz_joyce) May 25, 2026
Westmoreland County Deputy Sheriff Shawn McKown grew up in Lower Burrell and provided a police escort behind the Lower Burrell department during the procession.
“It’s what makes this country great. It means everything to participate. This should mean everything to everybody,” McKown said.
Eighth grade friends Colton Petrosky, Lia Zacchia and Kaley Bastine handed out American flags to the crowd as they walked the parade route.
“It shows the kids all about what Memorial Day is and who people fought for us,” Kaley said.
“It hits close to home because some of my stepdad’s family members did serve and they were killed,” Lia said.
Colton returned for a second year as a parade participant.
“I do this to show my respect for the nation and the people that fought for it,” he said.
Lest we forget
Members and volunteers from Brackenridge American Legion Post 226, Natrona American Legion Post 48 and Natrona Heights VFW Post 894 hosted a Memorial Day program attended by hundreds in Brackenridge Memorial Park.
The national anthem, a military medley, taps and “Amazing Grace” was performed by the Highlands High School Varsity Marching Band.
Legion Post 226 POW/MIA representative Larry Lehew presented a MIA remembrance service noting that an estimated 558 million Americans and immigrants have lived in the U.S. and more than 1.1 million of those people have died defending the United States in wars and combat action since the American Revolution.
“We are here today for them,” Lehew said. “We do not forget. From Bunker Hill to Baghdad, Americans from communities throughout the United States have answered their nation’s call and made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Brackenridge Mayor Lindsay Fraser addressed the crowd and quoted from a 1905 Presidential Inaugural address from President Theodore Roosevelt.
“Memorial Day must not just be a day when we pause and pray. It must be a day to act. To come together. To commit ourselves to a future worthy of their sacrifice,” Fraser said.
Other guest speakers included Dottie Rogers of VFW Post 894, Michael Yourchak of Legion Post 48 and state Sen. Lindsey Williams.
Jacqui Confer tossed a memorial wreath into the Allegheny River.
Another ceremony highlight was a rifle volley.
Highlands Varsity Marching Band kicks off the Brackenridge Memorial Day Ceremony. @triblivepic.twitter.com/JvgpevUkvm
— Reporter Joyce Hanz (@hanz_joyce) May 25, 2026
The planned C-17 Globemaster flyover by the 911 Airlift Wing from the Pittsburgh Air Reserve Station was canceled because of a mechanical issue, according to an announcement late in the ceremony by American Legion Post 226 member William Haggerty.
Flyovers honor fallen military members and deceased veterans. The event typically is a much-anticipated element of Brackenridge’s Memorial Day program, and its cancellation disappointed many.
Sylvia Kania, 86, of Harrison attended the Brackenridge ceremony with family members.
“Memorial Day is a day to honor all of the fallen soldiers that fought for our country and freedom,” Kania said. “I am here today to pay them tribute. My husband had fought in the Korean conflict and never missed a service, and now he’s gone and I continue to attend the services.”