Monday 12, 2018 was a crisp, clear day with a sharp wind chill, a bittersweet veterans day full of gratitude and remembrance.  Teachers, parents, students, and other members of our Upper St Clair community came together to honor local veterans from all branches of service: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Merchant Marines, Coast Guard and National Guard.  The ceremony took place at the Upper St Clair Veterans park, which, as of yesterday, celebrated its 7th year gracing our community. This beautiful park serves as a reminder to younger generations especially, to recognize the sacrifices that our veterans have made.

Upper St Clair students were given the chance to show their appreciation during the Veterans Day ceremony, when the high school’s Chanteclair choir and Baker Elementary’s 4th grade choir sang between the different events and speakers lined up for that day.  Also making a special appearance, the high school marching band performed several songs, with one student, Matt Hornack, even receiving the opportunity to play taps.

The event’s featured speaker was Devlin Robinson, a U.S. Marine who served three tours in Afghanistan and one tour in Iraq.  He participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom’s liberation phase, which brought him to the battles of Nasiriyah, Diwaniyah, Kut, and Baghdad.  He was then deployed to Fallujah and Saqlaweyah in 1st Battalion 6th Marine Regiment. Also recognized, were the local veterans who attended the ceremony.  Each individual being able to state in which branch they served and being given a warm round of applause by grateful audience members.

The turnout of USC Township employees, families, and veterans was impressive and a true reminder to have appreciation for the sacrifices of those who made our freedom possible.