Each year, a long time friend of the Swatara Police Department and Steelton resident Barbara Barksdale, takes the time to organize, coordinate and prepare the Midland Cemetery for its annual Memorial Day event.  The rain this past weekend did not damper her plans.  In fact, the skies seemed to have paused just long enough on the 29th so that Barbara's efforts were put to work and the event went as smooth as always.  From special guest speakers to live music, Barbara continues to do a wonderful job organizing the return to Midland Cemetery year after year to commemorate those who have served in the armed forces and lost their lives.  The Swatara Township Police and township Commissioners Ellis and Connolly were in attendance for this Memorial Day event.  Midland Cemetery dates back to the Civil War period and buried throughout the grounds were those who were slaves, former slaves, US colored troops, buffalo soldiers and numerous leaders of the African American community.  Memorial Day dates back to 1971 and each and every year Barbara ensures that we never forget those who paid the ultimate price so that we can all live in a better place and enjoy the freedoms that make America great!  We hope everyone enjoyed this past holiday weekend and took some time out of their day to pay their respect to those who have served.  Barbara Barksdale has given so much to the Swatara and Steelton communities by preserving the Midland Cemetery for years so that others may have the opportunity to visit their loved ones.  There are opportunities throughout the year when anyone can reach out to Barbara Barksdale and assist with the maintenance that goes along with the upkeep of Midland Cemetery.  To learn more about this historical site OR to reach out to Barbara Barksdale you can visit midlandcemetery.com.  

In honor of those who have served or are serving this country: "We don't know them all, but we owe them all."  Author Unknown.