Rimersburg V.F.W. and American Legion Plan Annual Memorial Services

In Rimersburg, the Shearer-Shick Post # 454 of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post # 7132 will host Memorial Sunday, May 24, 2026, and Memorial Day, May 25, 2026 Commemorative Services.

On Sunday, May 24, the Memorial Sunday Service will be held at the Veterans Memorial Park, beginning at 3:00 PM. Carl Solida will act as Master of Ceremonies. Mrs. Brenda Haws, lay pastor from the Jerusalem United Church of Christ will be the guest speaker. Rev. Mark Deeter, pastor of Wildcat Wesleyan Methodist Church will give the invocation, scripture, prayer, and benediction as well as present a special musical selection. In case of inclement weather the Memorial Sunday Service will be held in the Faith Fellowship Church of Rimersburg at 3:00 PM.

On Monday, May 25, the annual parade is to begin at 9:00 AM from the parking lot across from the Faith Fellowship Church. Marching units are welcome to participate. The program will begin at the Rimersburg Cemetery as soon as the parade arrives. Mr. Steve Wiencek will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Mayor Tim Yeany is going to give welcoming remarks. Rev. Andrew Flower, pastor of Faith Fellowship Church, will offer the invocation, prayer, and benediction.

Our guest speaker for the Memorial Day program will be Dr. John Kimmel. Dr. Kimmel serves as the Superintendent of Union School District in Rimersburg, Pennsylvania, where he is recognized for his steady leadership, commitment to student success, and deep connection to the community he proudly serves. A native of Reidsburg, Pennsylvania, Dr. Kimmel’s journey in education reflects both a dedication to rural schools and a passion for continuous growth. Dr. Kimmel is a 2002 graduate of Clarion University, where he earned his degree in biology education. From there his career has led to various roles in the ûeld of education including teaching, high school principle, and superintendent. In addition to his work in education, Dr. Kimmel is an active member of the community and regularly serves as a guest speaker at local churches, where he shares messages of faith, leadership, and service. Dr. Kimmel is married and the proud father of two children.

Musical selections will be presented by the Union High School band under the direction of Mr. Paul Brown, Mr. Kevin Anthony, and Mr. Tom Scott playing his bagpipes. Eighth grade students from Union High School. will also participate in the program. Reciting the “Gettysburg Address” will be Eviana Reed, daughter of Brandy Giles of Rimersburg and Shane Reed of New Bethlehem; Layton Barger, son of Tommy and Courtney Barger of Rimersburg will recite “In Flander’s Fields”; and Traelan Pinson will recite “America’s Answer.” Traelan is the son of Justi Smith of Rimersburg and Tyrone Pinson of Cannonsburg.

In case of inclement weather, the program will be held at Union High School beginning at 9:00 AM.Veterans need not be a member of the American Legion or the V.F.W. to participate in either service.