American Legion holds memorial service honoring the fallen
PERRYSBURG, Ohio — Memorial Day is a holiday dedicated to honor our fallen service members, many of whom died protecting our nation.
On Monday morning, Perrysburg's American Legion held a service in Ft. Meigs Cemetery to honor those we have lost.
"Today is the day our nation collectively pauses to remember the service and sacrifice of an untold number of women and men that gave their last full measure of devotion in defense of our nation and our way of life," state Rep. Haraz Ghanbari, R-Perrysburg, said during the ceremony in his home district.
The event began with the raising of the flag, which remains at half-staff to honor the fallen. Onlookers' hats were removed and hands were placed on hearts, in reverence not only for the day itself but for some 2,000 veterans in their final resting place nearby.
After a wreath was placed near the flag, the Perrysburg High School band played the songs of every branch of the U.S. armed forces.
The event transitioned to a guest speech from congresswoman Marcy Kaptur.
The Democratic congresswoman from Ohio's speech highlighted the sacrifice of those lost and the price they paid for our freedom.
In her speech, Kaptur said that Memorial Day was created in the years after the Civil War - the bloodiest war in American history - to not only remember the soldiers lost, but also the damage we can cause if we as Americans can't stay united. She asked the crowd to remember the service people who died so we can all be free.
American Legion members then read the names of the local veterans who have passed away since the last Memorial Day, ringing a bell for each veteran lost.
"I think that bell is almost to encourage us to pause," Ghanbari said. "As you hear the bell reverberate, it kind of reverberates something inside of you."
This was followed by a 21-gun salute and then a single trumpet playing taps.
As the event concluded and visitors began to dissipate, people WTOL 11 spoke to reflected on what they hope people take away from the holiday.
"We got nearly 2,000 vets in our cemetery or more. A lot of people think today is a party day, but it's a day to really think how safe we are in the United States," said Robert Warnimont, the chairman of Ft. Meigs Cemetery.
"You read the names (on the graves) and you see the birthdate and the death date, what really matters is the dash in between," Ghanbari said. "I certainly hope as folks gather around for the evening celebrations today, that they simply do pause and reflect and give thanks."