SMETHPORT — The Rev. Frank Eppley, a Vietnam veteran and Bronze Star recipient, will speak Monday at the Smethport Memorial Day exercises on the courthouse steps following the traditional parade.

The parade will form on West Willow and East streets, and is slated to step off at 10 a.m., moving east on Willow Street, north to Mechanic Street before stopping at the Veterans Memorial Bridge for a salute to naval heroes. From there, the line of march proceeds north to Main Street and west to the courthouse.

World War II and Korean War veterans will be honorary parade marshals.

This year’s program, planned by the Smethport VFW Post #2497, will open on the steps of the courthouse with the Smethport Area High School Band, directed by Sarah Kois, playing the “Star-Spangled Banner” and the invocation by the Rev. Thomas Beam, a Lutheran minister and Air Force veteran.

The band is also scheduled to play a selection before and after Eppley’s remarks.

Beam will offer the benediction.

Smethport American Legion Post #138 Commander Pat Miesowitz will be president of the day, Bob Funk will be officer of the day, while Bud Abbey is to direct the color guard and memorial firing squad.

In case of inclement weather, the program will be moved to the Smethport Area High School.

Eppley, who also was awarded the Purple Heart, received his Bronze Star almost 40 years after being wounded in Vietnam. It was on April 18, 1968, that PFC Eppley of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division and his company came under Viet Cong attack in a Vietnam jungle.

After realizing that a buddy was wounded and lying in an exposed position, Eppley, then just 19, braved hostile fire to rescue the soldier and carry him back to a safe position, actions that earned him the Bronze Star with “V” Device for Valor.

In addition to being an evangelist, Eppley has pastored several area churches. He is currently the pastor of the Emmanuel Mission Church in Kane.

A veterans’ lunch will follow the program at the VFW Post #2497 on East Water Street.