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  • Writer's pictureSheila Brant

Honoring our Past

Memorial Day Weekend. A time to gather with your family and friends, enjoy some delicious grill and picnic food and just relax. But what many do not incorporate into this chill weekend is a way to honor the memory of the past, to memorialize our service men and women who sacrificed so much over the years for the America we live in and appreciate today. After all, that is the reason behind Memorial Day. Not just a three-day weekend, Memorial Day weekend is meant for remembrance and observance of our military and the contributions they have made to preserve our freedoms.

Blurred image of kids at picnic table eating with lots of blue and red items.
A Memorial Day isn't complete without a picnic!

While you may be set to just stay home and relax, we would encourage you to visit a memorial park near you. And if you are like so many others, just itching to get out and do something because you have been cooped up at home too long - hop in the car and take a drive to these four stops this Memorial Day weekend:


While it isn't a memorial park of traditional military standards, this National Memorial operated by the National Park Service is dedicated to preserving the story of the 40 passengers and crew of Flight 93. The passengers and crew of Flight 93 were a group of common civilians but their actions on September 11, 2001 were anything but common. Many believe their brave actions were the first battle waged in the war against terrorism. Their story unfolded in the skies above Western Pennsylvania. The Flight 93 National Memorial is open 7 days a week with a visitor center and memorial plaza that honor these brave individuals. A visit to the Memorial seems a fitting way to honor the past and to share an inspiring and memorable experience with your family.

Close up of the United States flag with blue field, white stars, white and red stripes.
Old Glory

This quaint small town country store offers deli sandwiches, pizza, salads, gobs, ice cream and more. Stop in for a bite to eat and take in the history of the community that decorates the store walls. It will take you back to a simpler time, when the biggest decisions were what flavor your second ice cream scoop should be!

Black and white logo of Snida's Corner Store that reads "Snida's Corner Store, Shanksville PA, 814-267-2093"
A small country store, the perfect place for lunch!

The past is part of who we are today at Brantview Farms Maple. We have learned a lot from our family and generations who have worked in the maple industry for decades before us. We love to share this past with visitors because we firmly believe it has shaped us to be the business we are today. We honor members of the military and truly appreciate your service. We would like to offer a FREE 1/2 pint maple syrup jug to any veteran (active or retired) this weekend. Stop out to learn about our past and to enjoy some of Western Pennsylvania's sweet maple history.

Open May 30 and May 31, 12 pm - 4 pm.

Black and white photo of two men standing outside of small wood structure with chimney and two horses harnessed to pull a sled with buckets.
Brant family photo of original maple sugar camp.

4. Indian Lake James McIntyre Trail

Visit this local scenic lake for a hike, bike or drive to enjoy our beautiful area! This five mile trail offers lots of views of the lake and the lush landscape of Somerset County. The trail address is North Shore Trail, Central City, PA. Enjoy some outdoor recreation on the trail and time with your family or friends. Take time to reflect about Memorial Day and the sacrifices others have made for you.

Image of two girls and boy hiking in wooded area. First woman is wearing a gray sweatshirt and denim shorts with long blonde hair. Second woman is wearing a red plaid shirt and denim shorts with long brown hair and a hat.  Man is wearing gray shirt and brown shorts.  They are smiling and having fun on their hike.
Take a hike this Memorial Day weekend to appreciate nature and each other!

We hope that wherever you spend your Memorial Day weekend that you take some time to discuss and reflect on the sacrifices made by our military, by citizens of our country and of other countries, and by our ancestors who worked hard to bring us to where we are today.


Have a safe and fun Memorial Day weekend and we hope to see you soon!



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