Laurel Highlands Today

County of Fayette issued the following announcement on Jul. 7.

 The Uniontown American Legion LaFayette Post 51’s May Day celebration is an annual tradition, as is its Flag Day event and the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce’s fireworks display. This year, the three were combined into one, big celebration of Americanism and independence June 27 at the Uniontown Mall.  

“Every May 1, we have an Americanism Day celebration. It goes back to the coal strike of 1933 and 1934,” Post Commander Rob Doria said, noting that it was considered a “radical act” in Fayette County at the time.

“A group of communists wanted to have a parade on May 1 to coincide with Moscow’s,” Doria explained. 

Doria said local police at the time felt that whether they approved the parade or not, there could be trouble. If they allowed the parade, it might stir up controversy. If they turned down the request, it could spark riots. 

“Five Legion members from LaFayette Post 51 solved it by offering to have an Americanism Day celebration with speeches and a parade,” Doria said. “Five thousand school children, ethnic groups, unions and Legion members attended. It was so well-received that it has become an annual feature of the Coke Region.”

Doria said a Joint Resolution of Congress established Americanism Day in 1937, and in 1944, 15,000 people marched in a parade in Uniontown.

“In 1970, the length of the parade doubled, and there were an estimated 40,000 spectators,” he said. 

But not this year. Due to lingering COVID-19 restrictions, the Legion was unable to hold its annual parade. 

“So, we thought we would combine it with Flag Day and call it an Americanism/Flag Day celebration,” Doria said. 

The event was further combined with the Chamber of Commerce’s annual fireworks display and moved to the last Sunday in June. 

The festivities began with a rifle salute from AMVETS Post 103 of Hopwood and the posting and retiring of colors by the Albert Gallatin Junior ROTC Troop 643.

The day included guest speakers such as county Commissioners Scott Dunn and Vincent Vicites, Sen. Pat Stefano, Rep. Matt Dowling, and Uniontown Mayor Bill Gerke. Brigadier Gen, David Papak (USMC-Ret.) spoke as well, urging young people to step into leadership roles. 

Footedale resident William Rostich, 96, was presented with the French Legion of Honor Award in a special ceremony recognizing his actions in the Battle of Normandy during World War II. 

Boy Scouts were on hand to perform the retirement of the flag and perform a demonstration of the 13 folds of the United States flag.  

Doria said the celebration was broadcast over the radio, allowing spectators who wanted to social distance to remain in their cars and still enjoy the show – and some cookies. Doria said Girl Scouts handed out 300 boxes of cookies. 

After the speeches and ceremonies, fireworks lit up the sky. 

Fayette County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Muriel Nutall called the event a “tremendous success.” 

“The crowds were great,” she said. “Everyone was in a good mood. There were no issues, just pure celebration. We are incredibly thankful to our member businesses who continue to support this great event.”

To learn more about Fayette County, visit www.FayetteCountyPA.org.   

Editor's Note: Photos attached (Americanism-Flag Day Celebration; Fayette County Flag; Albert Gallatin JROTC; Fireworks) 

This communication, among other initiatives, is funded through the 2016 Fayette County Local Share Account (LSA) in cooperation with the Fayette County Board of Commissioners, Fayette Chamber of Commerce, The Redevelopment Authority of the County of Fayette, The Redstone Foundation and other partners. This funding has been designated for the continued promotion and marketing of Fayette County, PA.

For more information, contact Kristi Rooker Kassimer, Public Relations Specialist, at 412-691-0262, kkassimer@fayettecountypa.info or Jamie Rankin, Journalist, at 724-434-4486, jamierankin13@gmail.com..

Original source: https://www.fayettecountypa.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=170