Sons of The American Legion Mahoning Valley Squadron 15 is announcing its 95th annual Memorial Day procession and ceremonies over Memorial Day weekend. In addition, Squadron 15 has planned events at area Briarfield assisted living facilities.

Memorial Day weekend events begin Saturday, May 25 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 1.5 million flags on the graves of veterans this year. Squadron 15 will place over 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 the four military chaplains who gave up their life jackets after their ship, the USS Dorchester was hit by a torpedo and sunk. The ceremony begins 9:15 a.m. at the War Memorial Building Post 15 home, 35 Cortland St., Poland.

The 95th 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 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.

At 10:15 a.m., Squadron 15 is asking musicians, especially those who play trumpet, to go outside and play “Taps” to honor and remember those lost defending the United States.

Air Force Reserve veteran and Squadron 15 member Anthony E. “Chip” Anderson will be this year’s procession grand marshal. American Legion Department of Ohio adjutant John “JD” Robinson will be keynote speaker. The Chaplain of the Day will be announced at a later date.

Special guests include Sons of The American Legion Detachment of Ohio commander Tim Conway and American Legion Department of Ohio Oratorical Contest state champion Katie Toepfer.

This year’s events also include Squadron 15’s sixth annual Memorial Day services at area Briarfield assisted living facilities. The schedule is as follows:

• Squadron 15 Memorial Day Service – The Inn at Christine Valley, 3150 South Schenley Ave., Youngstown 44511. 3 p.m., Friday, May 24.
• Squadron 15 Memorial Day Service – The Inn at Ironwood, 6699 Ironwood Blvd., Canfield 44406. 2 p.m., Saturday, May 25.
• Squadron 15 Memorial Day Service – The Inn at Glenellen, 9661 Market St., North Lima 44452. 11 a.m., Sunday, May 26.
• Squadron 15 Memorial Day Service – The Inn at Poland Way, 6501 Poland Way, Poland 44514. 2 p.m., Sunday, May 27.

“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. Memorial Day is a ‘Day of Remembrance.’ As proud possessors of a priceless heritage, we will do just that, remember them,” said Jeff Vrabel Sr., Sons of The American Legion past national vice-commander.

Call 330-565-5333 or email

je**********@gm***.com











for more information. Mahoning Valley Squadron 15 also maintains a Facebook page.

Riverside Cemetery