Tribune Chronicle / Bob Coupland A Veterans Day parade was held in Girard Sunday with two services held, one on the Officer Justin Leo Memorial Bridge, and the second at the War Memorial near the municipal building. Parade participants marched from the bridge to the municipal building.

Several area communities and churches Sunday saluted the men and women who have served or are serving the country while also marking the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.

In Girard, two services were held — first at the Officer Justin Leo Memorial Bridge, where a wreath was cast into the river, and the second at the war memorial near City Hall, where a second wreath was placed.

Girard High School principal and city councilman William Ryser, also a veteran, was the keynote speaker at the event.

“On this momentous Veterans Day, we as Americans set aside time to celebrate the ideals so often forgotten in the society in which we live,” Ryser said. “Duty, honor, country, courage and commitment are the qualities we revere and honor to those American veterans who have answered the call to duty and who have served their country honorably. Our veterans are the soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines here today and others who have passed on that we hold dearly in our hearts.”

Ryser said people 100 years ago gathered in the streets and joined hands with the sound of church bells ringing in the background tolling for the end of World War I and the hope for peace.

Just as America celebrated 100 years ago, “At the 11th hour, of the 11h day of the 11th month” on the first Armistice Day, people today also celebrate and honor all those who have served, Ryser said.

“They stood together that day in gratitude to those Americans who raised their hands when the nation called and said ‘Send Me’ rather than allow someone else. They ran to the fire when there were threats to our freedom. Today reminds us of the veterans selfless service and their personal sacrifice which has given freedom to each and every one of us. There was pain and sacrifice endured by our veterans and their families in service to this country,” he said.

Pastor Rhonda Gallagher of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church said there are “so many who gave up so much — including their lives — to help the rest of us to be safe. We are honoring them and their memory and all those who come behind them in a special way not only today, but every day.”

Bob Stranton of Girard Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 419 said there were many patriotic messages to remember those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom for others.

“We honor the courageous men and women who put themselves aside for the safety of all of us,” Stranton said.

Following the ceremony, the family of Justin Leo, Girard Police Department and city officials hosted a hamburger and hot dog lunch for the public.

In Warren, the W.D. Packard Concert Band held a special Veterans Day tribute concert playing several military-themed songs such as the “Star Spangled Banner.”

Kinsman resident Harold Babb, a veteran, said, “It is always good to be honored. Having this concert is fantastic.”

Todd Murdock of Mineral Ridge, a Marine Corps veteran who served from 1959 to 1961 as an administrator, said several people in her family were veterans including her late husband, Fred McCandless, who served in the Navy, her brothers, her sister and her nephews.

“It makes me proud to be an American. I have been to two Veterans Day events, and they were both wonderful.” Murdock said.

Glenn Russell of Howland, a Navy veteran, said he comes to all the band’s concerts but looks forward to the military-themed ones.

Frances Sparacino of Warren, said her late husband, Tony, was a veteran, so she wore a red, white and blue striped outfit.

“I think it is important that all veterans be honored from all the wars,” she said.

In Niles, the members of First United Methodist Church presented nearly $5,000 to Wags for Warriors to cover costs for having a 7-month old German Shepherd puppy “Bubba” trained as a service dog for an area veteran. The puppy was introduced to the congregation Sunday.

Pastor Paula Marbury said the church held a Veterans Day service with a display set up at the altar. She said she wanted the members to see the dog that will help a veteran.