MANSFIELD — People lined the sidewalks of downtown Mansfield Monday on a superb, sun-splashed morning.
They crowded in to get a glimpse of the annual Memorial Day parade and the Veteran’s Memorial Day Observance program speakers, but also to show respect for those who died fighting for their freedom.
Harry Weirich and Judith Bjore have attended the parade for years. If they spend the weekend camping, they return before Monday morning.
Bjore is a veteran and Weirich’s father, also named Harry Weirich, served in World War II. Other relatives served in other wars.
“All of them have passed,” Weirich said. “I come here now to honor them and all others who have passed.”
The parade started at 10:30 a.m. on Park Avenue, marching from the five-way stoplight to the Gazebo in Central Park, where a program followed.
The procession included about 40 units. There were plenty of fire trucks and military equipment.
The Mansfield Senior, St. Peter’s and Madison High School bands played several tunes as they marched down the street.
Naturally, local veterans were the highlight of the parade. Some led the way with flags while others waved to onlookers as they rode past.
Bernie Sinclair brought his grandchildren — Kole McAlexander, Stuart Smith and Kamryn Smith — to the parade this year. All the children expressed how proud they were of their great-grandfather who served in the Navy during World War II.
The festivities got underway at 9 a.m. The crowd was smaller, but those present gathered around the Doughboy statue in Central Park to honor World War I veterans.
“Because of them, our lives are free. Because of them, our nation lives,” said James Dillon, former commander at the American Legion Post 16.
Directly afterwards, Korean veteran Bobby Shirk addressed the crowd, and a 21-gun salute honored Korean War Veterans.
Robert Hutchison, also a Korean War veteran, and his wife, Charlene attended this portion of the ceremony. Hutchison designed the Korean War Veterans Memorial at the park.
“Instead of something to climb on or pigeons to sit on, this is useful,” he said while sitting on the bench portion of the memorial.
The remainder of the program took place after the parade.
The Fun Center Chordsmen sang a selection of patriotic tunes as the flag was raised.
Vietnam era veteran Dean J. Krance explained it was his third time as Memorial Day speaker. Krance is a former commander at the American Legion Post 16 and a two-time past president of the Mansfield Memorial and Patriotic Association.
“They gave their tomorrows, for our todays,” he said during his presentation.
