On Memorial Day, May 28, the community of St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church held their annual Memorial Day “Memorial Service” at Veterans Memorial Park on Main Street in Edwardsville, PA. The continuing tradition grows larger every year.
The St. John’s choir began the service with the National Anthem. Master of Ceremonies Joe Kaucher introduced members of the community to reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day. Speakers included Mayor Bernard “Ace” Dubaskas, community firefighter Joe Mogilewicz, and military wife Toni Kaucher. Fr. George Volkovinsky led a memorial prayer, with responses by the St. John’s choir. The event ended with the crowd accompanying the choir in singing “God Bless America.”
This annual event is one of many that St. John’s holds each year in the community, including Veterans’ dinners for Thanksgiving and Christmas, an annual community Christmas concert, a big presence at the Edwardsville Pierogie fest, and their annual Ethnic Food Festival, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, all as part of their continuing mission.