Community gave honor to millions on Memorial Day [photos]
by Sue Serdinak
Although it had rained continuously in the early morning of Memorial Day, it stopped just in time for the Memorial Day Parade to leave Fellowship Hall and travel to the West Richfield Cemetery.
The parade was led by Ohio Rep. Bill Roemer, 1st Lt. in the USAR Steve Wyotek, Amvets Commander Dave Mruk and Richfield Mayor Michael Wheeler. The Amvets Post 176 honor guard followed along with the Revere Band, Richfield fire medics, the Masons and the Girl Scouts.
Bob Neilie opened the ceremony with a prayer and the Revere Marching Minutemen played the Star-Spangled Banner. Wheeler asked everyone to pause during the day to honor those to whom we owe a debt of gratitude.
Guest speaker Roemer said that Decoration Day was started when the graves of Civil War soldiers were decorated in honor of their service to the country.
Roemer said 1.3 million Americans have given their lives to protect our freedoms in service to the country and 1.5 million have been wounded in combat.
“We remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. … The United States and all here owe a debt of gratitude to our veterans for their service,” he said.
The Amvets honor guard performed the three-volley salute and a member of the Revere band played Taps.
The Girl Scouts presented flags to the veterans in attendance while the band played all of the armed forces melodies. ∞
