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Gold Star Families Honored At Memorial Day Ceremonies In Northampton

The township remembered the nation's fallen during a Memorial Day ceremony at Robert H. Dembowski Memorial Park in Richboro.

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This post was contributed by a community member.
Marine Corps League detail (L-R) Gus Cales, Nel Clark, Mike Clark, Mike Lecker, Jimmy Clendennen, Don Barder, Pete Palestina. Bugler is Kathy McCall. (Pete Palestina)

RICHBORO, PA — Northampton Township held its annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday at the Robert H. Dembowski Veterans Memorial Park in Richboro. The community was invited to attend as residents and veterans gathered to honor and remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States.

Before the ceremony, a Flag Raising Ceremony took place at outside the Northampton Township Building at 55 Township Road. The solemn and emotional observance served as a powerful tribute to fallen veterans and was conducted by the Marine Corps League Patriot Detachment 1230.

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This year’s program was dedicated to recognizing and honoring Gold Star families — those who have lost a loved one in military service. Master of Ceremony was retired Army Col. Wendell Rich, a member of the township’s Veterans Advisory Commission. The ceremony featured Gold Star Mother Karen Kelly as the keynote speaker. She shared her reflections on Memorial Day, offering a deep personal perspective on sacrifice, resilience, and remembrance.

“This year, we are especially mindful of the strength and sacrifice of Gold Star families, and we are honored to recognize them in a meaningful way," said Kristin Reilly, the chair of the Northampton Township Veterans Advisory Commission.

The National Anthem and God Bless America were sung by Hailey Brown.

Despite unfavorable weather, residents, veterans, families, and community members attended and participated in the observance.

A video can be viewed on YouTube at https://youtu.be/sTWpZkF18MM

MC Col. Wendell Rich Army Retired (Pete Palestina)
Hailey Brown singing National Anthem (Pete Palestina)
Keynote speaker Karen Kelly (Pete Palestina)
Wreath placement by members of the Dembowski and Elwell families along with Al Sigafoos. (Pete Palestina)
USMC retired General John Kelly with Joe Lombardo and Pete Palestina (Pete Palestina)
Some of the attendees (Pete Palestina)
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