The meaning of Memorial Day recalled at ceremony
Director and Coshocton County Veterans Service Officer Doug Schafer opened the Memorial Day ceremony on the Coshocton County Court Square on May 29 immediately following the parade. Pastor Bob Adelsperger from Perry Chapel Church gave the Invocation.
Piper Andrews a River View High School junior competed in the Voice of Democracy competition this year. The theme of her speech was, “Why is the Veteran Important.”
“Without veterans the inalienable rights that this country was founded on would no longer be protected,” she said. “Everyday millions of people wake up and enjoy their freedom because of the selfless acts performed by the men and women called veterans These amazing people are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect our rights. This call was far from easy, but the call was excepted willingly.”
Andrews explained democracy in her speech as literally, rule by the people. “Without veterans democracy would never have existed,” she said.
Andrews read a poem by Autumn Parker titled, “I’ve Got Your Back.” “Veterans are fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers,” Andrews said. “Without them, America wouldn’t exist.”
Shanna Weaver whose brother Raymond Border was killed in action in Afghanistan became a Gold Star sister 11 years ago. Memorial Day held a new meaning, a painful meaning for Weaver and her family losing their son and brother.
“The years of grief and pain continue to this day,” she said. “Memorial Day changed for us that year. I want every one of you to take a moment today and think about the men who have sacrificed their lives to defend our freedom. All the lives lost over hundreds of years not just the present lives, grieve for those soldiers, grieve for those who never received a proper homecoming and grieve for those who continue to fight those battles every day.”
In a tribute to our fallen comrades, Boy Scouts, and Cub Scouts from troop #402 set the flags in remembrance as Russell Hammond, US Marine Corps read the 64 names and Jared Lillo, 1st Class Ohio Army National Guard retired, rang the bell as each name was called.
Coshocton County purple heart veterans presented placement of the memorial wreath. The Coshocton County Honor Guard rifle squad fired in salute to fallen comrades with “Taps” played by members of the Coshocton High School marching band.
Schafer thanked the 4-H clubs, scout troops, organizations and individuals who placed 7,184 flags at all the county cemeteries.
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