Staff photo / Bob Coupland McDonald firefighter Robert Golden places flags during a Memorial Day service at the war memorial in Woodland Park on Sunday in memory of veterans and military personnel who gave their lives while serving their country.

McDONALD — As the names of deceased McDonald veterans were read, members of the fire department placed flags in their honor around the war memorial Sunday at Woodland Park.

More than 50 people attended the Memorial Day service, which was canceled last year because of the coronavirus pandemic. Many communities are holding Memorial Day events today, although many have been scaled back to provide safety to the public.

Maj. Scott Allen, public affairs officer of the 910th Airlift Wing, was the keynote speaker and also played taps for the village’s service, which was coordinated by the fire department.

“I am truly grateful to be able to share this remembrance with you today. It is quite appropriate for all Americans to pause, honor and reflect on the history and heritage of this day. For many, Memorial Day is a time for backyard barbecues and extended weekends to spend with family and friends and the unofficial start of summer. However, Memorial Day means so much more than that. It is a time to remember not only those who answered the call to arms but were willing to risk everything to defend America and its interests,” Allen said.

He said Memorial Day originally was called “Decoration Day” and was started as a day set aside to remember those who died in our nation’s service.

Memorial Day was first proclaimed in May 1868 by Gen. John Logan to honor the fallen men and women.

Allen said each headstone of a veteran has a story to tell.

“Our commitment to the fallen must be to live our own lives as fully as possible and to always be willing and able to give back to our communities, our nation and our world,” Allen said.

He said the movie “Saving Private Ryan” has left a lasting impression on this generation regarding the debt owed to past generations of the nation’s military.

“There are many who have died for you. Now live a life worthy of such a sacrifice. We in the Mahoning Valley do not forget the sacrifices of those who have gone before us. Freedom most certainly is not free; it was purchased with a high price. You can ask any family member of anyone who served or is serving in the military, sacrifice and selfless service both of the service member and their family make our country what it is, the greatest country on earth,” Allen said.

Allen told people to never forget the ultimate sacrifice made by soldiers, Marines, sailors, airmen and Coast Guardsmen so everyone can live free.

“Let us give thanks to the veterans of our Armed Forces for the sacrifices they have made as they have fought for our country. Let our tribute to those who have gone before us be to live our lives worthy of their sacrifice. Whether today or years from now, let us not forget with regret or shame for those missed opportunities, to be grateful for what we have, to be humbled in our successes and failures and to stand up for that cause for which we believe to be right and true,” Allen said.

Allen had all retired and former members of the nation’s armed forces stand to be recognized and also recognized Gold Star family members of service members who died during conflict.