The McCandless-Franklin Park Ambulance Authority battled a dreary Memorial Day weekend forecast to recognize veterans and first responders on May 22.
With an eye on the weather, event chairperson Michael Wholihan, who serves as MFPAA’s financial coordinator, had to make some tough decisions in the days leading up to the ceremony.
The Salute to Service, originally slated at the 80th Division Monument in North Park, was moved to the conference room of MFPAA’s headquarters along Grubbs Road.
“We decided to bring the event inside about two days ago. Then we had to figure out where we could even have it. We were lucky and grateful that the MFPAA was able to host, but it was a stressful couple of days,” Wholihan said.
Bagpiper Larry Jones kicked off the event in conjunction with the North Allegheny High School Air Force JROTC color guard, which presented the flag.
Fifteen plaques of recognition were distributed during the event.
Lauded for their service to the community were the McCandless Police Department; North Allegheny High School Air Force JROTC; North Allegheny School District Police Department; McCandless-Franklin Park Ambulance Authority; McCandless Fire Departments Nos. 186, 187 and 188, Air Search and Rescue Canine Division; Girl Scout Troops 46289 and 16396; bagpiper Larry Jones; Allegheny County Police Department; Daughters of the American Revolution; Delaney Shanley, national anthem singer; and Deacon Dave McLaughlin of St. Aiden Parish.
Wholihan had a heartfelt message for the entire group before the plaques were distributed.
“Our veterans and first responders answer the call — an actual calling to lead a purpose-driven life, a life of service to the USA for all of us,” he said.
To commemorate those who are deployed, Wholihan reminded the crowd that when you see someone wearing red on Fridays, the acronym for RED means Remember Everyone Deployed.
Wholihan continued by reinforcing the words of the oath taken by those who serve in the six branches of the military, fire departments, ambulance services and police departments — all in the name of public service.
“The military oath states, ‘I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic,’ ” Wholihan said.
State Rep. Arvind Venkat, D-McCandless, was in attendance and said the evening as a time of reflection.
“This is a time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice and those who serve our community as first responders,” Venkat said.
The event concluded with a somber hymn performed by Jones as he exited the rear door, giving a moment of silence to all of the attendees.