The Bradford Era — by Fran De Lancey

Hometown U.S. Army veteran Brandy Colley became the youngest guest speaker ever to deliver the annual Memorial Day exercises in Smethport when she addressed a large crowd Monday from the McKean County Courthouse steps.

At age 30, Colley, a former military policeman who served in Hawaii, Colorado and Afghanistan, noted that U.S. military monuments are solid symbols of Americans’ desire to commemorate their fallen heroes.

“At these hallowed places, we can see and even trace with our fingertips the names of those in uniform who have given their lives in defense of our country,” she said.    Read more »