SMETHPORT — Pastor Frank Eppley, a decorated Vietnam War veteran, will speak at the Memorial Day exercises on Monday in Smethport.

The program at the McKean County Courthouse on West Main Street, which is under the auspices of the McKean County Post #2497, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and American Legion Bucktail Post #138, follows the parade, which begins at 10 a.m.

The parade forms at West Willow and Center East on Willow, moves to Mechanic Street and north to the Veterans Memorial Bridge for a salute to heroes before proceeding to West Main Street and to the courthouse. 

While serving with the U.S. Army in Vietnam in 1968, Eppley, originally from Enola near Harrisburg, was shot three times during the Tet Offensive and was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star with “V” for valor. 

He holds an associate degree in criminal law enforcement from Harrisburg Area Community College. He served with the Marysville Police Department, Perry County, and silver Springs Police Department in Cumberland County. 

Before being called to the ministry, Eppley worked at the New Cumberland Army Depot and the Navy Ships Parts and Control Center in Mechanicsburg. He graduated from Elam Bible Institute in 1989.

Eppley is a member of Eldred American Legion Post 887 and is a life member of the Disabled American Veterans.

The Rev. Max Simms of the Hilltop Baptist Church will offer the invocation and benediction.

C. Russell Johnson will be President of the Day, and John Goble will serve as Officer of the Day.

Bud Abbey is in charge of the colorguard and firing squad.

The Smethport Area High School Band, directed by Matt Bailey, will offer selections.

In the case of rain, the exercises will be moved to the Smethport Area Junior-Senior High School auditorium and begin at 11 a.m.

Memorial salutes are slated in East Smethport at 9 a.m. and Rosehill Cemetery at 9:30 a.m.