Memorial Day 2018 Veteran Events And Activities In Ohios Mahoning Valley

Memorial Day 2018 in Ohio's Mahoning Valley was marked by several significant events honoring veterans and fallen heroes. While specific promotional freebies in Austintown during this period are not detailed in the available sources, the region hosted meaningful tributes and community gatherings that celebrated the sacrifices of military personnel. This overview examines the key Memorial Day activities and veteran-related events that took place in the area during this time.

The Wall That Heals: A Moving Tribute

One of the most significant Memorial Day-related events in the region was the transport of "The Wall That Heals" from Austintown to Warren. This traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. made its journey through the area with considerable community involvement. The event was particularly notable as Warren was the only city in Ohio hosting the wall that year.

The Wall That Heals contains the names of 58,281 military personnel who were killed in action during the Vietnam War or listed as missing. Among these were 103 individuals from Mahoning County and 61 from Trumbull County, making this event especially meaningful for local families and communities.

The procession began with a motorcycle escort lining up at 1 p.m. at Quaker Steak & Lube on Patriot Boulevard in Austintown before departing at 2 p.m. The route traveled along Interstate 80 East to state Route 11 North to state Route 82 West, exiting at East Market Street in Warren. This community-organized event provided residents an opportunity to show patriotism and support for veterans as the wall made its way to its final destination at Packard Park.

Annual Flag Placement for Fallen Veterans

In preparation for Memorial Day 2018, the Mahoning County Veterans Service Commission organized an important flag placement ceremony for fallen veterans. On Saturday, April 21, 2018, at 11:00 AM, the commission held a graves decoration meeting at their offices located at 345 Oak Hill Ave., Suite 100, Youngstown, OH 44502.

The meeting aimed to recruit volunteers for the annual flag placement tradition, which serves as a time-honored way to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The commission extended the invitation not only to veterans' organizations but to any community members wishing to participate in this meaningful tradition.

During the meeting, organizers reviewed cemetery assignments, distributed contact information for cemetery captains and organizations, and allowed volunteers to select locations close to their communities. A notable development mentioned was the potential participation of the Youngstown State University (YSU) Football Team in this community service effort.

The goal of this initiative was to ensure that all fallen veterans' graves were properly decorated for Memorial Day. With volunteer participation, organizers aimed to decorate more than 20,000 veterans' final resting places throughout Mahoning County. To accommodate group participation, the commission requested that no more than two representatives from each organization attend the meeting due to limited space.

Salem's Memorial Day Observance

In Salem, Ohio, a comprehensive Memorial Day program was organized to honor veterans and fallen heroes. The day's activities began with a breakfast at 7:45 a.m. at St. Paul School, specifically for veterans and individuals involved in the day's events.

Following breakfast, a formal memorial service commenced at 9:00 a.m. on the Village Green at the corner of State Street and Lincoln Avenue. The service included several traditional elements: an invocation, posting of colors, recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, placement of a wreath, a volley salute, the playing of Taps, and a benediction. These solemn ceremonies provided the community with opportunities to reflect on the sacrifices made by service members.

At 9:30 a.m., the procession began to form. Leading the procession was a police escort, followed by the Salem VFW Guard, the Salem High School Marching Band, and separate vans carrying the honorary marshal, the speaker of the day (Pastor Doug George of the First United Methodist Church), Lippiatt, and President of the Day Doug Brannon. The Salem AMVETS Color Guard was also part of the procession.

The procession departed for Hope Cemetery at 10:00 a.m., following a route along East State Street to Lincoln Avenue to the cemetery. Dave Coy served as announcer for the procession, which included various community groups and organizations paying their respects to fallen veterans.

Community Participation in Memorial Day Traditions

Memorial Day observances in the Mahoning Valley region relied heavily on community participation and volunteerism. The flag placement initiative organized by the Mahoning County Veterans Service Commission exemplified how community members came together to honor veterans. This grassroots approach to Memorial Day observances allowed residents to personally contribute to honoring those who served.

The transport of "The Wall That Heals" also demonstrated community involvement, with residents lining the route to show support and patriotism as the traveling memorial made its way from Austintown to Warren. This event provided an educational opportunity for younger generations to learn about the Vietnam War and its impact on local communities.

In Salem, the Memorial Day procession represented a collaborative effort involving multiple community organizations, schools, and religious institutions. This multi-generational participation ensured that the traditions of Memorial Day were passed down and maintained within the community.

Honoring Local Veterans

Memorial Day 2018 provided special opportunities to recognize the contributions of local veterans. The Wall That Heals specifically honored the 103 Mahoning County and 61 Trumbull County service members who were killed in action during the Vietnam War or listed as missing. This focus on local veterans made the event particularly meaningful for families and communities directly affected by the war.

The Salem Memorial Day service similarly honored local veterans through its procession and ceremonies, recognizing their service and sacrifice. These observances served as important reminders of the human cost of military service and the importance of remembering those who gave their lives for their country.

Conclusion

While specific promotional freebies in Austintown during Memorial Day 2018 are not documented in the available sources, the region offered numerous meaningful ways for residents to honor veterans and fallen heroes. From the solemn ceremonies in Salem to the transport of The Wall That Heals from Austintown to Warren, Memorial Day 2018 provided opportunities for reflection, remembrance, and community solidarity.

The flag placement initiative organized by the Mahoning County Veterans Service Commission demonstrated how community members could directly participate in honoring veterans through volunteerism. These events and activities represented the true spirit of Memorial Day – a time to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.

Sources

1. Valley restaurant offering free hot dogs today
2. Mahoning County Veterans Service Commission - Graves Decoration Meeting
3. The Wall That Heals arrives Tuesday
4. Memorial Day service will be held at Hope Cemetery
5. Ohio Veterans Day Deals