MANSFIELD — Patriotism is alive and well in Richland County.
Seven separate Memorial Day events were conducted Monday morning in Bellville, Butler, Lexington, Plymouth, Shelby, Shiloh and Mansfield.
In Mansfield, retired U.S. Air Force Brig. General Pamela Milligan was the grand Marshal and keynote speaker on a breezy, sun-splashed day that greeted approximately 300 people downtown for a parade featuring the Mansfield Senior and Madison High School marching bands.
Bruce Phipps served as master of ceremonies, while the Fun Center Chordsmen contributed a number of musical selections. Pastor Paul Lintern offered a prayer of remembrance harkening back on some of the nation’s most famous battles, while Doug Theaker read Logan’s Orders.
A 21-gun salute capped the day’s festivities.
LaRose message
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, a U.S. Army veteran, issued the following message:
| Today, we pause as a grateful nation to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Scripture tells us “greater love has no one than this: that one lay down his life for his friends.” The courageous fallen warriors who we mourn and honor today exhibited that greatest form of love so that we may continue to live in freedom and prosperity. My challenge to you this Memorial Day: honor their legacy by carrying on the work they left behind. It is our duty to ensure the very love for America that inspired the service and sacrifice we recognize today is passed on to future generations. Lastly, please join me in prayer for those Gold Star families who lost a loved one in defense of our country. For them, every day is Memorial Day. From my family to yours, have a safe and meaningful Memorial Day |