MANSFIELD — Mansfield celebrated Memorial Day Monday with a parade down Park Avenue and a program at Central Park. 

Despite temperatures nearing 90 degrees, dozens of people gathered downtown to honor those who lost their lives defending the nation. The program kicked off at 9 a.m. with a ceremony sponsored by the American Legion Post 16 to recognize World War I Veterans.

“They fought for us, for us they fell, and now in one accord, in deepest reverence, we honor them,” said James Dillion, past commander of the post and current first vice commander. “Let us not remember them in anguish … also for their sake, let us not forget the loved ones left behind.”   

Afterwards, the Korean War Veterans Chapter 51 honored its veterans with a 21-gun salute. 

The program paused for the parade, which featured about 40 units, including the tomb of the unknown solider, an assortment of fire trucks and military equipment and bands from Mansfield Senior High School, St. Peter’s High School and Madison High School. 

Ten-year-old Brendel Bower and her sister Bayleigh, 6, were most excited about the horses. They attend the parade every year with their parents Suzzanne and Kenny Bower. 

Further down the street, 13-year-old best friends, Maddy Sheldon and Maya Folwer were anticipating the arrival of Mansfield’s marching band. Next year, the teens hope to be playing in the parade. 

When the program resumed, it honored World War II veterans and featured a speech from the first woman commander of the 179th Airlift Wing Allison Miller. 

“As we take a moment to respectfully acknowledge our fallens’ sacrifices, let us also admire the way they chose to live with courage and bravery, with unbroken will and determination, with the love of and selfless service to our country,” Miller said. 

She further addressed the people who have lost loved ones.

“You too served our country, and paid the sacrifice that many of us will never understand,” Miller said. 

During the ceremony, the Fun Center Chordsmen sang several patriotic tunes. The crowd even joined in for “God Bless America.”