MANSFIELD, Ohio – Mansfield and the Richland County community offered an appreciative salute to military veterans past, present, and future on Wednesday with its annual Veterans Day Parade and ceremony.
The parade stepped off at 10:30 a.m., traveling down Park Ave. West to Central Park. Approximately 40 units, adorned with flags, veterans, and other patriotic sentiments, marched down the streets, waving and saluting the many people who lined up to show their gratitude.
Marching bands from Mansfield Senior, Clear Fork, and St. Peter’s also were in the parade, providing music for all in attendance.
As always, the ceremony honoring United States veterans was held in the 11th month, on the 11th day, and on the 11th hour.
Jim Ludban, commander of the “Fighting” Fifth District American Legion of Columbus, was the parade grand marshal and keynote speaker of the ceremony, which was at the Central Park gazebo.
He said while today is all about veterans, it should be about veterans every day because they “have given us this land.”
“I was honored to be able to elaborate about some of the things people might not know about conditions for returning veterans,” Ludban said.
From Bunker Hill to Baghdad, Ludban said eight generations of military veterans have established an “unbroken commitment” to the nation’s freedom.
“For most of that time, Mansfield and the Richland County area have been raising and sending its young men and women to serve in the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, the Marines, the Coast Guard, the reserves and guardians to continue that effort,” he said.
“Some people spend a lifetime wondering if they’ve really made a difference, but veterans don’t have that problem. Every time we look at that flag, and we see it flying freely in a free nation, we know that our time in the military made a difference.”
Among his many topics, Ludban talked about the rate of suicide and homelessness among veterans, as well as the many prisoners of war and those missing in action who have not yet been brought home, suggesting the country do more to assist its veteran community.
“On this special day, I’d ask each of us to remember our nation’s promise to fulfill our sacred obligation to our veterans, who have given us the privilege of living free in a free land,” he said. “Veterans, one and all, I salute you. I thank you for your military service and your continued service to your community and the youth of this nation.”
After Ludban’s speech, the 40 & 8 color guard fired a volley of shots, followed by the playing of “Taps.”
Mansfield Mayor Tim Theaker was downtown for the event and said without the sacrifices of veterans, people would not have a free country.
“We would not be able to pledge allegiance to the flag, we would not be able to do a lot of things,” he said. “With their sacrifice, we’re a free, great country.”
Mansfield has a large military community with the Ohio Air National Guard 179th Airlift Wing and 200th RED HORSE Squadron.
Theaker said the base is a “great asset” to the community.
“They’re one of the largest employers in the City of Mansfield, and it’s something we’re really privileged and honored to have here,” he added.
Carl Cunfer, a retired pastor of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Mansfield, also participated in recognizing the country’s veterans during the parade and ceremony.
A veteran himself, he said he was a “lucky man,” providing insight into why Veterans Day is a day worth celebrating.
“I arrived in Korea on July 3, (1953), and on the 27th was a cease-fire,” he said. “So I’m thankful, but a lot of men risked their lives and a lot gave their lives.
“And we can’t have freedom without the sacrifices they made, and we should never forget that.”
