Around 100 spectators lined the streets of Bridgeville Monday morning as veterans, marching bands and first responders marched through town in the borough’s annual Memorial Day parade honoring fallen military service members.

Children sat on curbs near the intersection of Washington Avenue and Station Street, showing off their red, white and blue accessories, waving at parade participants, and darting into the street to collect candy tossed from passing vehicles.

Some adults leaned against storefronts while a few unfolded lawn chairs they brought from home, settling in along the route despite gray skies above.

At American Legion Post 54, veterans and active-duty service members waited patiently in line before stepping off into the parade with their heads — and flags — held high.

For first-time attendees like J.W. Johnson, the event showcased how the community comes together to honor its residents.

“It was fantastic and surprising for a community this small to have such a large turnout,” Johnson, 40, said. “It really shows you that a small town community is really where change happens. It's what makes America great.”

Johnson came out to the parade to watch his 5-year-old son march with the Bridgeville Athletic Association, one of the local organizations featured in the nearly 30-minute-long procession.

Beyond the parade, he said Memorial Day serves as an important reminder to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made by service members.

“They're doing all of this really hard, dangerous work to keep us safe,” he said. “It could be anyone signing up and willing to do that for their neighbor. It’s a really incredible thing.”

Members of the South Fayette High School Marching Band marched in green and white uniforms to the beat of their drums, followed by the South Fayette band alumni, whose batons spun high in the air.

Classic Chevys and Corvettes rolled through town carrying local officials, including borough Mayor Betty Copeland — the first woman and first Black person to hold the seat — and state representative Jason Oritay, R-Washington/Allegheny.

One oversized truck carried a giant inflatable bald eagle with its wings spread above the crowd, leading a line of fire and rescue trucks blaring their horns.

For some attendees, Memorial Day is just as much about celebration as it is remembrance.

“It’s an opportunity to give thanks for allowing us to be free,” said Kalena Nesic, who attended the parade with her 9-year-old son, Pirlo. “A lot of my family members have been in the service, so it’s very important to us to continue to celebrate them.”

Following the parade was a memorial service at Melrose Cemetery, which included a 21-gun salute, prayers and wreaths for unknown soldiers.

Mayor Copeland spoke about honoring the veterans in Bridgeville, who make up nearly 7% of the borough’s population of more than 4,500 residents, according to census data.

The majority of those still alive served in the Vietnam War, including Ray Wallace, 84, who has lived in Bridgeville for more than a decade.

Wearing a veterans hat and shirt, Wallace became teary-eyed while reflecting on his service in the U.S. Army airborne infantry during the war.

“I lost all my buddies,” he said. “I think about them all the time, but especially on this day.”

As the country nears its 250th year of independence on July 4 — the same day as Wallace’s birthday — he said these moments feel especially meaningful.

“250 years of freedom: It doesn’t get any more special than that,” he said.

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