Alex D. Barna places a wreath for the Army around the veterans memorial at North Boundary Park during a Memorial Day ceremony in Cranberry Township on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
CRANBERRY TWP — North Boundary Park in Cranberry Township held its annual Memorial Day service Sunday afternoon, May 25, at the park’s Veterans Memorial. This was the 26th annual Memorial Day service held at the park since the Veterans Memorial, a large stone bearing the emblems of all six branches of the U.S. armed forces, was installed in 1999.
Cranberry Township Supervisor Bruce Mazzoni says he’s attended every Memorial Day service in the township since the Veterans Memorial was installed at the park, and he has personal reasons for it.
“My father, my uncles, they all served in the military,” Mazzoni said. “I was fortunate to see (the memorial) built because I lived across the street, and I haven’t missed one since.”
The guest speaker for the event was Mike Gasparetto, a retired chief master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, who made sure to remind the non-veterans in attendance about the true meaning of Memorial Day.
“To me, Memorial Day is more than just a long weekend or the start of summer. It’s a day of reflection, a day when we pause as a nation to remember the cost of the freedom we enjoy every single day.” Gasparetto said. “For some, this weekend means cookouts, travel and time with family. But for many others it means remembrance, grief and pride. And for all of us, it should mean gratitude — gratitude to those that gave the ultimate sacrifice.”
A wreath was laid in front of the memorial stone to represent each of the six branches of the armed forces — Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines. Each of the six branches had a representative veteran to place its wreath.
“I think it’s important that we instill in our kids that they remember why we celebrate today, and why it’s so special,” said Rachel Harrington of the 171st Air Refueling Wing, who was on hand to represent the Air Force. “I feel like a lot of people forget what the meaning is and why we celebrate it.”
During the ceremony, master of ceremonies Rex Brown rang a bell to pay tribute to three veterans who died in the year since the last Memorial Day service.
Terri Kerr places a wreath for the Navy around the veterans memorial at North Boundary Park during a Memorial Day ceremony in Cranberry Township on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
Rachel Harrington places a wreath for the Air Force around the veterans memorial at North Boundary Park during a Memorial Day ceremony in Cranberry Township on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
Dan Etter places a wreath for the Merchant Marines around the veterans memorial at North Boundary Park during a Memorial Day ceremony in Cranberry Township on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
Gary Moore places a wreath for the Marines around the veterans memorial at North Boundary Park during a Memorial Day ceremony in Cranberry Township on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
Steve Mihalacki places a wreath for the Coast Guard around the veterans memorial at North Boundary Park during a Memorial Day ceremony in Cranberry Township on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
Alex D. Barna salutes after placing a wreath for the Army around the veterans memorial at North Boundary Park during a Memorial Day ceremony in Cranberry Township on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
Master of Ceremonies Rex Brown gives opening remarks during the Memorial Day ceremony near the veterans memorial at North Boundary Park in Cranberry Township on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 879 do presentation of the colors during the Memorial Day ceremony at North Boundary Park in Cranberry Township on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
Marine Corps Detachment 882 retires the colors at the conclusion of the Memorial Day ceremony at North Boundary Park in Cranberry Township on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
Jim Caruso with Feathered Memories releases white doves during the Memorial Day ceremony around the veterans memorial at North Boundary Park in Cranberry Township on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
Color Guard/Rifle Squad Commander Carl Curtis stands in front of Marine Corps Detachment 882 as white doves are released during the Memorial Day ceremony at North Boundary Park in Cranberry Township on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
Veterans Hugh MacPherson, left, Master of Ceremonies Rex Brown and guest speaker Chief Master Sergeant Mike Gasparetto salute during the raising of the flag from half-mast during the Memorial Day ceremony at North Boundary Park in Cranberry Township on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
Color Guard/Rifle Squad Commander Carl Curtis prepares to lead the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 879 and Marine Corps Detachment 882 in retiring the colors during the Memorial Day ceremony at North Boundary Park in Cranberry Township on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
The Seneca Valley Vocalists perform the Star Spangled Banner during the Memorial Day ceremony at North Boundary Park in Cranberry Township on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
