Julian gears up for fireworks

Resident plans tribute to brother, other soldiers

By Ed Mahon

One of the regulars at Julian's fireworks celebration won't be able to make it this year.

Spc. Ed Hall, 39, was one of about 100 local National Guard soldiers who shipped off to Iraq earlier this year. He’s stationed near Baghdad with a Bellefonte unit in the 56th Stryker Combat Brigade.

The fireworks event at 659 Beaver Road started as a backyard family tradition and has grown during the past five years. In good weather years, more than 1,500 have attended, Matt Hall said.

“He’s always been there,” Matt Hall, 36, of Julian, said of his brother. “We grew up lighting them.”

Matt Hall and his wife, Mary, will be setting up the more than 4,000 shells necessary for the 35- minute fireworks show on Friday evening.

Matt Hall’s planning a small tribute to his brother and the other local soldiers stationed overseas.

Before the launch of the fireworks, he will talk for a few minutes and then play the Styx song “Show Me the Way.”

And although Ed Hall can’t make it, he’s sure to hear about it from his brother. The two talk once a week.

“He seems to be doing real well. ... He’s just ready to get home and go hunting and fishing,” Hall said.

IF YOU GO

The celebration takes place Friday at 659 Beaver Road in Julian. Festivities start at 5:30 p.m. with the fireworks launching at 9:25 p.m. The Port Matilda Fire Company and Port Matilda Sportsmen’s Club will sell food and beverages. A $5 donation is requested.

Ed Mahon can be reached at 231-4619.