Service Runs Deep at Croydon’s Memorial Day Parade

Isabella Dydak, all of three, stood watching Monday as the Harry S. Truman High School Marching Band jammed its way down State Street with first responder sirens coloring the sound-scape as thousands looked on. 

Approaching, she was saluted and in return saluted back proving honor, pride and respect for  country  are embedded into the DNA of the working-class section of Bristol Township.

At the Croydon Memorial Day Parade Monday this was more then evident.

The parade symbolizes, for many, more than just fire trucks and marching bands and BBQ’s.

This was especially true for Nick Slipp, a sergeant of the Marine Corps. Slip served for five years with  a total of three tours in Iraq.

“I’ve been out for almost four years, I got out in June of 2010. [The parade] means a lot. It means I’m still sitting here alive, unlike a lot of my buddies. It means a lot that Bucks County is patriotic enough to carry on these traditions,” Slipp said.

Tim, a Vietnam veteran who wished to remain mostly anonymous, spent 19 months serving in Vietnam.

“This [parade] makes me proud to be a veteran,” Tim said. He added the spent his 19th and 20th birthdays serving in Vietnam.

While many of the attendees are veterans themselves, many in attendance know veterans or others who are currently serving.

Sarah McDonoug’ s husband is deployed currently.

“It’s a little more meaningful this time, because he isn’t here. It’s a little hard to be without him, we’re all missing him,” said McDonough. McDonough’s husband, Tim, is a senior Airman in the United States Air Force.

Not everyone at the parade was there for the support of immediate family or friends. Steve and Sue Mayko came out to support  the community and the members of the military that they know, but aren’t in attendance.

“It’s great that all the townspeople get together like this, it really means a lot to the town,” said Steve.

Steve’s dad, Rocky Mayko, is a World War II vet and is still alive at age 80. The Maykos have a nephew in Iraq serving currently.

The parade which headed north on State Road to the VFW Veterans Memorial grounds on Bellevue Avenue, where a flag raising and memorial ceremony was held and State Senator Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks) and State Rep. Tina Davis  (D -Bucks) shared remarks at the  Joseph A. Schumacher VFW Post 1597. 

An older man approached one of the many veterans who took part in the memorial service, they stopped, shook hands, didn’t exchange one word.

Yet, the symbolism was unmistakable.

The older generation thanking the younger  for their service to county and community of Croydon.

Just like  Isabella saluting the parade as marchers went by.