The Westminster Memorial Day Parade is a Norman Rockwell, small town, all American celebration.
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Memorial Day weekend brings a flurry of activity for many Americans but the holiday is specifically set as a time to honor the great men and women that died in service of the United States.
Before the Honor Committee was created in 2014, some Vietnam War veterans opposed adding the names of those who didn’t die in combat, even if they finally succumbed to the effects of war. This holiday’s ceremonies recall our undying memory especially of those fallen in battle – to commemorate the incalculable price they have paid for our freedom.
He enlisted in 1954 after receiving a draft notice.
Active duty Army Chaplain Ronnie Irwin, 48, traveled from Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina to remember Hattiesburg Sgt. Anthony Magee, 29, who was killed in April 2010 when his Army unit was ambushed in Iraq. He also spent time in Europe as a courier for North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
“I wish I had a voice like that girl”, Hendrickson said.
Ingersoll is getting a lifetime achievement award from the American Legion in the fall. The time was apparently chosen because it is when Americans are able to enjoy their freedom the most during the holiday. He’s also participated in the Licking County Veterans Alliance for 15 years. There are two locally on Monday.
After honoring fallen servicemen on Memorial Day this morning, local veterans and their families came together for a community barbeque. “We’re honored to do it”, says American Legion of Orient Commander Wayne Irvin.
“I’ve lost good friends, at least four that I can think of right off the bat, since coming back home, and it’s always good in our lives to take just a minute to thank them”.
“It was one of the best volunteer groups I’ve ever experienced”, he said.
“One-hundred-seventy-three names are inscribed on the granite pillar”, Tibbett said.
Seward expected to get around 150 people in attendance for the barbeque.
We should be glad that we live in a state that has taken steps to help our veterans and has given them expanded educational and professional opportunities to succeed in civilian life.
Parade begins at 11 a.m.- from school, concludes at town circle with Memorial Day Service.
“You may see a penny on there for someone who went to basic with them or knew them, or a couple of nickels or a dime for somebody who served with them, or heaven forbid a couple quarters (from) people were there when they perished”, Mickelson said.
And, more than anything else, they remembered.
The Honorable Ben Nighthorse Campbell (Northern Cheyenne) and Chickasaw Nation Lieutenant Governor Jefferson Keel are leading an advisory committee of tribal leaders and veterans.
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There are many reasons as to why people observe Memorial Day.
