ONTARIO — The morning of Sept. 11, 2001, is one that shattered the illusion of safety for Mansfield Mayor Jodie Perry, she said.
A day much like today, she said, with clear blue skies and people waking up with no idea of what was going to unfold.
“I don’t think any of us will ever forget that morning,” Perry said.
Thursday afternoon, honor, dedication and remembrance filled the Area Agency on Aging parking lot, at 2131 Park Avenue West.
The 3rd annual Field of Honor Ceremony took place, hosted by The Kiwanis Club of Mansfield and Schmidt Security Pro/Schmidt Fire.
Honoring those who woke up that morning thinking they were just getting on a plane or just going to work, Perry said we must never forget those sacrifices that were made.
“We honor the first responders who rushed in when everyone else was fleeing,” Perry said.
In her remarks, Perry recalled the unity that swept the nation in the weeks after Sept. 11, pointing out the irony of being even more divided today.
She said she hopes the spirit of unity continues to guide the nation forward and to never forget the sacrifices made.
‘We are free because of their sacrifice’
Keynote speaker Doug Theaker asked attendees to think back to where they were on that fateful day, before broadening his remarks to honor all who have given their lives in service.
“We are free because of their sacrifice,” Theaker said. “As you veterans know, you raised your right hand and swore to uphold the Constitution, to defend and protect our lives so we could be free.”
Theaker shared personal memories of his father, a U.S. Navy veteran, recalling the night in 1944 when he and his mother waited at a Pennsylvania train station, uncertain if his father would return.
“To this day, I thank God he got off of that train,” he said.
He told the attendees he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps — fully aware of the risks.
“The fortunate part is, like you, I came home to tell the story,” Theaker said.
Community gathers for Field of Honor ceremony
The ceremony began at 12:30 p.m., with Master of Ceremonies Bob Miller thanking the event sponsors, along with honoring those who have served.
Those sponsors included:
- Schmidt Security Pro/Schmidt Fire
- Huntington Bank
- Directions Credit Union
- Kleshinski Morrison & Morris CPAs
- Warren Rupp
- YMCA of North Central Ohio
- Park National Bank
- Sutton Bank
- Mechanics Bank
- Charles Ritter Office Outfitters.
Reverend El Akuchie opened with an invocation and a moment of silence for Charlie Kirk, who was killed Wednesday at Utah Valley University.
Ontario Mayor Kris Knapp spoke at the ceremony, reminding attendees the freedom we are honored to have in America.
“To our veterans,” Knapp said. “Thank you for your service and all that you have done.”
Miss Ontario 2023, Jaslyn Lopez, performed the national anthem and led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the 179th Cyberspace Wing presenting and retiring the colors.
The ceremony closed with Douglas Keppler’s bagpipe rendition of Amazing Grace.
(Photos from the 3rd annual Field of Honor ceremony. Photo credit: Hannah Martin)
