McKean County Director of Veterans’ Affairs Zach Pearson will be the guest speaker at the Memorial Day exercises in Smethport on May 29.
The program on the steps of the McKean County Courthouse will begin at the conclusion of the parade, which begins at 10 a.m. The parade forms at West Willow and Center streets, moves east to Mechanic and north to the Veterans’ Memorial Bridge, where a salute to naval heroes will be held, and then to Main street and west to the courthouse.
“My remarks will show the importance of observing Memorial Day and taking the time to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice,” Pearson said.
A native of Smethport, Pearson was appointed to his current position in September 2016. In this job, he works under the direct supervision of the county commissioners, acts as a local link between the state and national veterans affairs departments and advises honorably discharged military personnel about benefits and services to which they and their beneficiaries are entitled.
Pearson served eight years in the U.S. Army, attaining the rank of staff sergeant, serving as a 19-kilo tanker crewman while stationed in Korea and Fort Hood, Texas.
Additionally, he served two deployments to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom as a combat infantryman. On another occasion, Pearson was part of the team that implemented the first Iraqi armor school for troops in the post-Saddam Hussein Iraq.
Among his military awards are several Army commendation medals, several Army achievement medals, a Good Conduct Medal and Combat Action Badge.
Pearson holds two associate degrees: one in criminology from Kaplan University and one in criminal justice from ITT Technical Institute. He is studying online for a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Purdue University.
The Bucktail Post has planned this year’s program. Chaplain Jack Rosenswie will offer the invocation. The Smethport Area High School Band, directed by Sarah Kois, will play “The Star-Spangled Banner” and several other selections.
Pastor Frank Eppley, a decorated Army veteran of Vietnam, will offer the benediction.
Other personnel are Courtney Cole, president of the day; John Goble, officer of the day; and Carl Abbey, commanding the color guard and memorial firing squad.
In case of inclement weather, the services will be moved to the Smethport Area High School.
