Ford City to turn out lights May 24

FORD CITY -- The town's street lights will go dark May 24. So will the lamps and porch lights at houses all over town and lights inside businesses.

But only for about 20 minutes.

It's all part of a symbolic gesture to honor those who sacrificed their lives for their country.

Once a year, borough residents look forward to the Ford City Lion's Club Memorial Day candlelight service.The unique tradition has been going on in Ford City since the early 1950s.

This year the service will be at 10 p.m. Sunday, the night before the May 25 observance of Memorial Day, .

"All of the lights in town are turned off," said Tim Malec, an officer of the Ford City Lions, of the club-sponsored annual service. "People put candles in front of their homes and sit out on their porches with candles to listen to the sounds of the service, taps and the gun salutes echoing through the town."

"A very emotional feeling comes over you," he said. "It's an emotional event."

But not everyone is aware of it, Malec says. He wants everyone to participate.

"The town once was pitch black for the service," he said. "But not anymore. There are so many people who have moved into town who don't know about it. So we're asking everyone to shut off their lights for the 20 minutes."

While residents all over town can take part in the service from their homes, many go to the Ford City Memorial Park for the main service. As many as 300 people have been in attendance at the park for the event, Malec said.

Police and firefighters will shut off the traffic in and out of both sides of the town. Five minutes before the service starts, church bells toll. The town's fire siren will go off.

The service starts with Allegheny Energy shutting off the street lights at exactly 10 p.m. The town's residents are asked to do the same in their homes and businesses.

A member of the local clergy gives an address, followed by an introduction by the president of the Lion's Club and guest speakers. The Heritage Days Choir sings a few songs.

There is a 21-gun salute by a military honor guard and taps are played.

A large cross made out of candles is in the park and participants have their own candles.

Betty Retzer of Manor Township never misses the service.

"I can hear the echoes of it from my home above Ford City, but I'd rather go to the park," said Retzer. "It's a wonderful event to be at."

Retzer has taken family and friends from New York and New Jersey to see the service.

"They never forget it," Retzer said. "What a wonderful service it is in our park with the town dark."