Girard honors veterans with parade, ceremony
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GIRARD – Residents of the city came together Wednesday to honor and thank veterans for their service to the community and the country.
The Girard Veterans Council, which is made up of different veterans organizations, hosted the special service that included a parade, guest speakers and services at the war memorial by city hall and on the Justin Leo Memorial Viaduct.
Mayor Mark Zuppo said the community came together to honor the brave men and women who served the nation in uniform.
“Their courage, sacrifice and commitment to protect our freedoms represents the very best of America. As mayor, I am proud to stand with our Girard community, which recognizes and shows appreciation to our veterans not just today, but every day. To all our veterans and those with us today and those we have lost, thank you for your service, your sacrifices and your dedication to our country. We are forever grateful and we will never forget. God bless our veterans,” Zuppo said.
Bill Rantilla of the Girard Veterans Council executive board said the service on the viaduct that included casting a wreath into the Mahoning River was to honor Navy veterans who served at sea.
“We must never forget the service of our military veterans who put their lives on the line to secure the freedoms we have today. These men and women have dedicated their lives to this country and they deserve to be recognized,” Rantilla said.
Sheila Cornell, American Legion Post 235 Ladies Auxiliary president, was selected to cast the wreath onto the water.
The Rev. Rhonda Gallagher of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church said it is important to remember the courage of those who served and defended the country.
“These veterans had to leave their families to go and protect and serve so that each of us may live in peace. Keep their memories alive in each of our hearts. For those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, we ask for protection and courage for their families and friends. May they remember the pride their loved ones showed through their service and sacrifice,” Gallagher said.
She said it is important that as a nation, we learn to value freedom and peace.
“Let us honor the legacy of each veteran in our own lives,” Gallagher said.
The members of the Trail Life Scouts Troop 1260 raised the American flag at city hall as the Girard High School band performed the national anthem.
Cornell, accompanied by Post Commander Bob Young, placed a wreath at the war memorial to remember all veterans. To conclude the ceremony, there was a rifle salute by the Girard Veterans Honor Guard.