Memorial Day Parade, Ceremony brought out many in appreciation for veterans' service
(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Above, the firing squad salutes. Below, Cliff Anderson and Mitch Hoffman watch with pride as a crowd pours into Greenhill Cemetery in Columbia City for a Memorial Day ceremony on Monday. At bottom, the crowd of young and old observed the ceremony.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
The sense of patriotism and appreciation for the contributions of veterans could be felt and seen Monday morning when the American Legion Post 98’s annual Memorial Day Parade wound its way through Columbia City to Greenhill Cemetery. 
A delight for many involved in the planning of the event, the crowds this year appeared larger – not just in the downtown area, but in the residential areas as well. Seated on picnic blankets or in lawn chairs, flags, hands and smiles were directed in reverence to the groups of veterans passing by.
The parade began at 10:30 a.m. at Marshall Memorial and entered Greenhill Cemetery awhile later, bringing with it a large contingent of attendees for the ceremony held there.
Adjutant and past Post 98 Commander Richard A. Stark addressed the crowd, saying, “We must remember and understand that freedom is not free and we owe our liberty to those who gave their all.”
“Sacrifice is meaningless without remembrance,” Stark said.
In reference to the way Americans perceive soldiers of today, Stark said, “Most Americans now have been able to separate the war from the warrior. This was something that was not done during the Vietnam War. Making that distinction is all important to those in uniform.”
In closing, Stark added, “As we remember our predecessors from the two World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, Beirut, Grenada and the Persian Gulf, the Global War on Terrorism is being won by ordinary Americans making ordinary sacrifices.”
Stark thanked those in attendance both for caring enough to be there and for the impact their presence has on veterans.
Post 98 Commander Dean Ramsey read a highly emotional poem, bringing tears to the eyes of many in the crowd.
Pastor Paul Arnold of Columbia City United Methodist Church gave a brief speech and provided a closing prayer.
A wreath was presented by SAL Commander Mitch Hoffman and SAL Adjutant Cliff Anderson.
Also participating in the ceremony were Matt Shoda and Anthony Cordova, the Korean War Veterans color guard comprised of John Slaybaugh, Jim Shaw, Paul Gates and Don York, VFW representatives Dave Hawn and Robert Restmeyer, Doug Fahl of the 76th Infantry Brigade – National Guard.
As the song taps was played, the firing squad sounded. The firing squad included Commander Bill Hare on the bugle as well as Homer Wells, Bob Hearld, Larry Jones, Mike Bellinger, Frank Fry, Bill Rea and Paul Thompson.
Additional photographs from Monday’s events will be posted later today here on Talk of the Town.
