Sons of The American Legion Mahoning Valley Squadron 15 is announcing the return of its annual Memorial Day procession and ceremonies later this month.
This year’s events begin 9 a.m., Saturday, May 28 at Historic Riverside Cemetery, where A Flying Flags For Heroes ceremony will be held in conjunction with the annual graves decoration.
The public is invited to attend and participate in the decoration of graves. Anyone wishing to assist can meet at the first driveway behind the chapel no later than 8:55 a.m.
Flying Flags For Heroes is a National Service Project implemented by National Commander Michael Fox with a goal of placing at least 1 million flags on the graves of veterans.
Squadron 15 will place 1,500 flags, with the Detachment of Ohio committing to place 100,000 flags before the end of August.
On Memorial Day, Sons of The American Legion will conduct its annual Four Chaplains ceremony, honoring four military chaplains who gave up their life jackets after their ship, the USS Dorchester, was hit by a torpedo and sunk. This event occurs 9:15 a.m., Monday, May 30 at the War Memorial Building Post 15 home, 35 Cortland Way, Poland.
The 93rd Annual Memorial Day Procession will step off from Post 15 promptly at 10 a.m., and travel down College Street, turn right on to South Main Street, where a 10:15 a.m. ceremony for those lost at sea will take place on the Main Street Bridge. The procession will continue on South Main, turning left onto Riverside Drive and into Historic Riverside Cemetery for full Memorial Day ceremonies.
This year’s Chaplain of the Day is the Rev. Father Kevin E. Marks of St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Church in Campbell, who will offer opening and closing prayers and brief remarks. Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas Judge Anthony Donofrio will be the keynote speaker. Donofrio is a Squadron 15 member.
This year, Squadron 15 is inviting World War II veterans to serve as procession grand marshals. World War II veterans are invited to participate and be honored for their service.
“We want to honor and thank these heroes again for their service and for their sacrifices. We want them to know how appreciated they are, and this is our way of honoring them,” said Sons of The American Legion National Vice-Commander Jeff Vrabel Sr.
“Memorial Day is about remembering our military heroes who made the ultimate and supreme sacrifice to defend our great country. It is a day to recognize them and remember them. Although we are changing how we remember, we will honor them for their sacrifice. Memorial Day is a ‘Day of Remembrance.’ As proud possessors of a priceless heritage, we will do just that, remember them,” Vrabel said.
Call 330-565-5333 or email je********@sb*******.net for more information. Mahoning Valley Squadron 15 also maintains a Facebook page.
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