Gray clouds might have rained out the parade, but the spirit inside Mansfield Amvets Post 26 was anything but dampened.
Saturday morning rain brought on a cancelation of a 10:30 a.m. parade celebrating and marking the 60th year of the Korean Armistice Agreement. The 11 a.m. ceremony scheduled to follow was moved from the downtown to the Mansfield Amvets Post 26 on West Fourth Street. Despite the adjustment, attendance was strong.
The crowd was at standing room only and parking spilled into side streets, as veterans, government officials, and citizens of Richland County turned out to pay respect to veterans, both living and passed on.
Many speakers and dignitaries present highlighted the sacrifices made by the service men and women of the Korean War and benefits of freedom that sprang from their efforts.
“This is not a forgotten war,” said Mansfield Mayor Tim Theaker. “ I am estatic that we can live in a free country because of our veterans.”
Ohio’s 7th District U.S. Congressman Bob Gibbs recognized veterans for meeting the invading force when they crossed the 38th Parallel, “You pushed communism back and showed the world the value of freedom.” Ohio’s 12th District U.S. Congressman Pat Tiberi added that Korean War veterans legacy would be “forever linked” to their “heroism, determination, and distinction.”
Special speaker and Korean War survivor Dr. Jay Haar spoke to the suffering brought on by the warfare, “Sixty three years later, I still remember the sight of bombing, shelling, shooting, killing, and children crying on the street.” A 14 year medical officer for the Republic of Korea during the Vietnam War himself, Haar went on to thank veterans, “Your compassion, sacrifice and encouragement gave us the power to rebuild our country.”
Doug Theaker gave the keynote address for the ceremony. He lauded the veterans for being his personal heroes. The audience listened, in respectful silence, as Theaker narrated the accounts of Korean War veterans Bill Woodrow, Bob Hutchison and Ray Jasinski. He referred to the veterans being honored as “Our heroes who came home. They came back. They’re with us today 60 years later. The question is, ‘Did they return as heroes? Were their voices heard?’” He further added, “They are my heroes.” As his address came to an end, Theaker asked Woodrow, Hutchison and Jasinski to stand and make themselves known to the crowd.
They were met with a standing ovation.
