For our family, every day is Memorial Day," said keynote speaker Jill Hardy during the Memorial Day ceremony held in Atglen on May 25. Jill is the mother of Brandon Hardy, who was killed in Iraq in 2006 while serving in the United States Marines Corps. "We have learned to live without him, and life goes on, but it will never be the same."

In a poignant tribute to her son, Hardy told the story of Brandon's life and his desire since the age of 10 to serve in the military. Brandon graduated from Octorara Junior-Senior High School in 1999 and then left for Air Force basic training in San Antonio, Texas. He spent two years in Germany, followed by an assignment in Spokane, Wash. Brandon was deployed three times during his five years in the Air Force, including to Saudi Arabia, Oman and the United Arab Emirates.

"Brandon decided that he was not doing enough for his country in the Air Force and decided to become a United States Marine, and in so doing he gave up rank and pay of a staff sergeant to start over at the bottom as a recruit," Hardy recalled. "He loved being in the military and served with pride and honor, and he was passionate about the freedom of this country."

Brandon graduated as a United States Marine in 2004. "Brandon came home for a 10-day leave after boot camp, and he was sitting at the dining room table one day with his training manual," said Hardy, who brought the manual to the ceremony. "(Reading from the manual, he stated), 'I'm an American fighting in the Armed Forces to guard my country and our way of life. I'm prepared to give my life in its defense right now.' I didn't know that in 10 short months he would do just that."

Hardy noted that the vehicle in which Brandon was a passenger struck an improvised explosive device (IED). "His last breath was taken in that Humvee in the early morning of April 28, and his very next breath was taken in heaven - the place I know his boots now patrol," she said, adding, "As you celebrate Memorial Day this weekend, please take a moment to remember and pay tribute to those who have provided our freedom through the sacrifice of their very own lives."

The Memorial Day ceremony in Atglen also featured an address by Mayor Darren Hodorovich. "We honor those who chose service to country to protect the freedoms we enjoy and the way of life we cherish and our continued pursuit of happiness," he stated.

Hodorovich also reported that prior to the ceremony, volunteers planted flowers throughout the borough and took part in a trash cleanup. In addition, more than 1,300 flags were placed on 435 parcels throughout the borough. Among the volunteers were members of Atglen's Boy Scout Troop 20 and Cub Scout Pack 20, the Octorara football team and the youth group of Penningtonville Presbyterian Church. "Your dedication is an inspiration to all of us," he told the youths.

To dedicate the military banners that were recently placed throughout the borough, Hodorovich and Bill Tennant read the names of all of those listed on the banners.

Pastor Eric Dorville from Penningtonville Presbyterian Church offered the opening blessing, and Father Sean O'Neill from Our Lady of Consolation Church in Parkesburg provided the closing blessing.

Music was provided by bagpipers from the Chester County Emerald Society Pipe Band. Dwight Weaver played taps.

For more information about the event and the cleanup and to view additional photos, search for "Mayor of Atglen Borough, Darren Hodorovich" on Facebook.