Maj. Gen. Laura McHugh, a 1987 graduate of Pottsville Area High School and Palo Alto native, urged a crowd at the city’s Memorial Day service on Garfield Square Monday morning to remember the true purpose of the holiday.
McHugh, a Deputy Adj. Gen. in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, stressed that Memorial Day should not be thought of as a day of celebration. Instead, she said it’s the one day a year dedicated to remembering those “warriors” who gave their lives in defense of the country.
“We are here today to honor the example left to us by our fallen warriors that were unable to return to their families, homes, and our community. That’s why this day is so important to all of us, to pay a well-deserved tribute to those brave Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation, to ensure for us the freedoms that we now enjoy,” McHugh said Monday from a sun-drenched dais in the middle of Garfield Square on W. Market St.
She added, “Memorial Day is not a day of celebration. By intent and design, it’s a day of reverence and remembrance.”
The well-decorated soldier recalled the history of Memorial Day, or Decoration Day, and reminded those in attendance on Monday that it’s their duty to carry on those original traditions.
“Memorial Day was created to meet a need, to always remember those that died in battle or while in service to our great nation. As we take this day to remember the fallen, we stand in solidarity with their loved ones and remember their sacrifice,” McHugh said.
While she thanked those who took time on Memorial Day to attend Pottsville’s ceremony, McHugh encouraged everyone there to spread the meaning and purpose of the holiday.
“Let us recommit ourselves to remind all Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day,” McHugh said. “It means so much for me to be here today and to see all of you here today, the act of giving your time and attention here in this ceremony means so much more than words because it’s an act of remembrance and appreciation.
“I ask each of you to share and promote this tradition to ensure that Memorial Day retains as much of its original meaning as possible,” she added.
McHugh was invited to be the keynote speaker at this year’s Memorial Day ceremony in Pottsville by Councilman Bill Messaros. In his opening remarks, Messaros referred to McHugh as a soldier and a leader.
He listed McHugh’s numerous positions held in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard over her 39 years of service. McHugh is a 2015 graduate of the United States Army War College with a master’s degree in strategic studies and a 2009 graduate of Duquesne University, where she earned a master’s degree in leadership and business ethics.
Among her many decorations, McHugh has been awarded the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal-Fifth Award, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terror Expeditionary and Service Medal, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal.
In one meeting with McHugh, Messaros said he remembers seeing her Parachute badge.
“That not only proves that she’s a good administrator, but she’s a soldier,” Messaros said.
Remembering Ssg. Isabella “Bella” Azaria Ixim
Following McHugh’s address, the life of Ssg. Isabella “Bella” Azaria Ixim was remembered.
Ixim died suddenly on Aug. 5, 2024, at the age of 27, while at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. She graduated from Easton Area High School but also lived in Pottsville.
After serving eight years, including deployments to Jordan and Kuwait, Ixim worked as a team leader at the Walmart Distribution Center at Highridge Business Park.
During Monday’s ceremony in Pottsville, US Army Reserve Maj. Tyler Dovel and Maj. Ricardo Vazquez spoke highly of Ixim’s service to her country.
“I can confidently say that you don’t come across folks like Ssg. Isabella Ixim every day,” Dovel told the crowd at Garfield Square Monday.
Together, Ixim, Dovel, and Vazquez were part of the 904th Engineers Detachment. Dovel described that group as tight-knit and a big reason for that was Ixim’s positive energy.
“She was an incredibly kind person but at the same time, I have never heard anyone talk as much smack as she could. And I assure you, none of it was in malice,” Dovel remembered. “She had this amazing way of keeping us in check but also creating these new inside jokes that really just brought the team closer together.”
Vazquez said it was “great honor” to speak of Ixim at Pottsville’s Memorial Day ceremony. He said he didn’t know Ixim very long but “she left an impression on me. Her example still challenges me today.”
Ixim is survived by her husband, James Chavez, her two children, James Jr. and Aaliyah, her mother, Frances Trygar, and six brothers and sisters.
Subscribe to Coal Region Canary
Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!Support Coal Region Canary
Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...