Photography & Article by: Kimberly Kanuck

Community Honors Fallen Heroes in Powerful Memorial Day Commemoration at SteelStacks

May 26, 2025 – Bethlehem, PA   Under sunny skies and with an outpouring of community spirit, many gathered at SteelStacks this Memorial Day weekend for the Memorial Day Commemoration Presented by Embassy Bank, held May 24–26, 2025. The multi-day event honored the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, with a focus on remembrance, unity, and reflection.

The heart of the weekend was the deeply moving “A Time to Remember” Ceremony, held on Monday, May 26th. The ceremony began on the Air Products Town Square with a solemn moment of silence, led by Kassie Hilgert, President & CEO of ArtsQuest, followed by a heartfelt rendition of the National Anthem performed by the beloved local trio, The SwingTime Dolls.

The program featured remarks from key community leaders, including County Executive Lamont McClure, Representative Steve Samuelson, and U.S. Representative Ryan Mackenzie, each delivering brief but poignant messages recognizing the service and sacrifice of our fallen heroes.

A particularly powerful moment came with the reading of the names of Lehigh Valley service members lost in the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars, led by the American Gold Star Mothers. As each name was read, the weight of remembrance was shared across the crowd—family members, veterans, and citizens alike.

The ceremony concluded with “Taps”, performed by Mitchell Roth, and a stirring performance of “God Bless America” by The SwingTime Dolls, bringing both closure and uplift to a weekend defined by gratitude and honor.

Following the ceremony, The SwingTime Dolls returned to the Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage for a full performance, captivating the crowd with nostalgic harmonies and patriotic flair. This dynamic trio channels the spirit of the 1940s to the 1960s with timeless style and theatrical energy.

The event also featured the powerful Hometown Heroes 2025 photo-banner, showcasing images of local service members and reminding attendees of the faces behind the flags.

Presented by Embassy Bank, this annual commemoration continues to be a cornerstone event for the Lehigh Valley, providing a space to reflect, remember, and come together as a community.