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Memorial Day at 150: Events and ceremonies throughout Ohio comemmorate the fallen this weekend
Memorial Day has been observed 149 times since its inception when it began as a wave of post-Civil War appreciation events in 1868.
This year marks he 150th observance even though the first official nationwide observance of the holiday did not occur until after poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, whose eldest son was injured in the Civil War, penned it as “Decoration Day” in 1882. It continued to be a Civil War remembrance until after World War I, when it was expanded to honor those who have died in all American wars.
The Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968 established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May, and the day became an official federal holiday in 1971.
Click on the image to the right to download the interactive .pdf
The day is observed with parades, solemn ceremonies, running races, cycling events, special exhibits, flag displays, flag retirements, historical reenactments to celebrate the lives of all of America’s fallen from all wars back to the Revolutionary War.
Below is a list of Memorial Day observances for the major metropolitan areas in Ohio (Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati, Cleveland and Toledo). Listings are arranged by date with multiple dates listed first.
COLUMBUS AND SURROUNDING AREAS
MEMORIAL DAY EVENTS
May 25 - 28
Westerville Field of Heroes, presented by the Rotary Club of Westerville Sunrise. Across the street from the Westerville Community Center on Cleveland Avenue is visual display of more than 3,000 American flags at the Westerville Sports Complex. Fields open on May 25 and will include an opening ceremony and concert on Saturday, May 26, a Sunday, May 28 Memorial Ceremony, and a 5K Run/Walk benefiting Honor Flight Columbus and sponsored by OhioHealth. The weekend also features the Reading of Names, Taps, and Flag Sales (to send to a hero or dedicate to the field). Field is illuminated at night from May 25-27.
May 29 – June 3
EYES of FREEDOM in Delaware – AMVETS Post 102 and American Legion Post 115 are bringing the Lima Co. traveling memorial, “Eyes of Freedom” to the city of Delaware for the first time from May 29 to June 3 at the Ohio National Guard Armory at 1121 S. Houk Road. The memorial will arrive in Delaware on Tuesday, May 29 via a special procession escorted by more than 100 motorcycles from all over central Ohio. The public is encouraged to line William Street from the Point (SR 36/37) to Houk Road from 3 to 4 p.m. to pay tribute as the memorial arrives on its specialized tractor trailer driven by R&L Carriers. The Delaware Fire Department’s ladder trucks will form an arch at the intersection of Sandusky and William Streets in honor of the memorial’s arrival.
The Eyes of Freedom will be on display right after the opening ceremony until 8:30 p.m. It will then be open to the public Wednesday-Friday (May 30- June 1) from Noon – 8 p.m.; Saturday, June 2 from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Sunday, June 3 from Noon – 3 p.m. Saturday has been designated Delaware Community Day and will start with a pancake breakfast from 8 – 10:30 a.m., hosted by Katie’s (Flying) Pancakes, who is known for flipping pancakes across a distance to its patrons. The breakfast will cost $5 for adults and $1 for children. A special visit from Rosie the Comfort Dog as well as representatives from the USO, AMVETS, American Legion, M.A.S.H. Food Pantry, Stockhands Horses for Healing and Mission Continues will be among the community and veterans organizations on hand from 9-3 p.m. that day. A special tribute to Justin Hoffman, Shannon Smith, Zach Myers and Anthony Kinslow, who died in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, will be part of the exhibit all five days. DATA Bus will be giving free rides for all veterans throughout the event. This is good for all routes countywide so that as many veterans as possible can go to see the memorial while its in town.
June 1-3
Suits for Heroes – 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at David Evangelical Lutheran, 300 Groveport Pike, Canal Winchester. Men only. Post 9/11 veterans only. A military ID or DD214 is required. Suits, shoes, ties and shirts will be provided. Presented by HEROES Care. Call Madel O’Neil at 740-475-7606 or madeloneil@aol.com.
Saturday, May 26
Grandview Heights Parade: 10 am on First Avenue from Cambridge Boulevard to Oxley Road. Includes marching bands, floats and service organizations, as we salute our servicemen and servicewomen.
Ohio Honor Ride – From 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Philip Heit Center for Healthy New Albany, 150 West Main Street, New Albany. Several different distances for all skill levels. All routes are road riding (no mountain bike trails or off-road riding). Event, sponsored by Project Hero, helps veterans who suffer from various wounds, whether visible or not.
Walk a Mile in their Boots (Fun Walk) – 9:00 am – 12:30 pm at St James Lutheran Church 5660 Trabue Road, Columbus, Ohio 43228. Come support your US deployed troops! All proceeds going to Operation Buckeye. A fun one-mile walk while wearing any type of boots rain or shine. $25/ticket. A $20 donation provides enough to ship one box to deployed troops. Bring friends and family to support a good cause. And don’t forget to wear your favorite boots! Sorry, we are only able to accommodate service dogs. Call Operation Buckeye for more information, how to volunteer, to provide a soldier’s address or donate to the troops – 614-807-0245.
Monday, May 28
Bexley - City Memorial Day Service - Drexel Circle at 11 am.
Bloom Township - Memorial Day Fish Fry & Car Show: 11 am – 5 pm. American Legion Parade – steps off at 10 am from the American Legion on Smith Rd, followed by the Classic Car Show, plus Family-Friendly Activities including bounce houses, obstacle courses, face painting, craft vendors and more. Hungry? The All-You-Can-Eat Fish Fry – hosted by the Bloom Township Firefighters goes until 5pm or the fish is gone (every year the firefighters serve over 4,000 lbs of fish!).
Canal Winchester - 10:30 a.m., in Union Grove Cemetery, 400 Winchester-Cemetery Road, Canal Winchester. Includes the Canal Winchester High School band, Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts and members of the military. The year’s speaker is Dr. Dana Robinson-Street, a U.S. Navy veteran of Operation Desert Storm, the combat phase waged by coalition forces against Iraq in 1991.
Croton – Troop 25 Annual Pancake Breakfast: The breakfast will last from 7:30a.m. until 9:30 a.m. prior to the Annual Memorial Day Celebration on the Croton town square at 10:00a.m. There will be pancakes with a variety of delicious toppings and served with sausage and eggs.
Dublin –The day’s events will begin at 11 a.m. with a procession along Bridge Street (state Route 161) from the Shoppes at River Ridge to Dublin Cemetery. The procession will stop on the bridge over the Scioto River and a wreath will be cast upon the water in remembrance of those who lost their lives at sea. At 11:30 a.m., the Memorial Day commemoration will begin in the cemetery off West Bridge Street, near Monterey Drive. Chuck and Carol Hoffman, the parents of Marine Corps Sgt. Justin Hoffman, will speak at the ceremony. Hoffman was killed in service in 2005 as a member of Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment. Family members of George Seeds, who was killed in action in World War II, also will speak. The picnic lunch will be held at noon in Monterey Park at Clover Lane and Monterey Drive.
Groveport - Memorial Day ceremonies hosted by Robert Dutro American Legion Post 486 will be held at two locations in Groveport on Monday, May 28. The ceremonies begin at 9 a.m. in Asbury Cemetery, 4760 Winchester Pike, and 10:30 a.m. in Fernwood Cemetery, 460 Rowe Road. A Memorial Day parade begins at 1:15 p.m. on Front Street, near Groveport Town Hall, 648 Main St., and continues to Groveport Cemetery on Wirt Road. A third Memorial Day ceremony is scheduled to start there at 1:30 p.m. The Groveport High School Marching Band will perform. Following the ceremony, refreshments will be served at Motts Military Museum, 5075 S. Hamilton Road, which is providing military vehicles for the parade. Post 486 is named after local resident Robert Dutro, who joined the Marines in 1917 at the age of 15 during World War I. He died in France on July 19, 1918.
Gahanna - Memorial Day observance: 1 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, 73 W. Johnstown Road. Gahanna residents will have many opportunities to remember veterans during Memorial Day ceremonies starting at local cemeteries and ending at the Gahanna Veterans Memorial, 75 W. Johnstown Road. The theme at the Gahanna Veterans Memorial service, scheduled for 1 p.m. Monday, May 28, is Memorial Day Observance -- 150th Anniversary. The master of ceremonies for the program will be retired Gahanna-Jefferson teacher and administrator Dale Foor. He will provide the welcome, lead the Pledge of Allegiance and conclusion, and introduce the dedication of Founders Field Plaques and the dedication of bricks. These 17 individuals will be honored through the dedication of brick pavers bearing their names: Christian Braun, Cathy Cazorla, Roberto Cazorla, Chase G. Cockrell, Kenneth L. Cover, Thomas Flannery, Ralph D-J Fuhr, Robert M. Harger, Thomas J. Jacob, Robert Kinney, Alan Little Sr., Mary C. Little, Anthony Olivo, David Olivo, Douglas Olivo, Samuel Sethman and Robert A. Webster. Jeff Spence, Gahanna’s interim police chief, will be a guest speaker at the ceremony. He was in the Ohio Army National Guard. The presentation of colors and a rifle volley will be provided by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Tri-Community Post 4719 and American Legion Post 797. Prior to the service at the Gahanna Veterans Memorial, programs will be held at area cemeteries and the Creekside bridge by VFW Tri-Community Post 4719, VFW Post 4719 Auxiliary of Gahanna, American Legion Post 797 of Gahanna and Knights of Columbus Assembly 3037 of New Albany. Services begin at 9 a.m. at Riverside Cemetery, 3840 Sunbury Road; 9:45 a.m. at Maplewood Cemetery, 4585 Reynoldsburg-New Albany Road; 10:45 a.m. at Jefferson Cemetery, 870 Reynoldsburg-New Albany Road; 11:30 a.m. at the Creekside Bridge in Gahanna; 12:15 p.m. at the Mifflin Cemetery, 218 Agler Road; and 1 p.m. at Gahanna Veterans Memorial.
Galena - Memorial Day Parade: 1 pm from Galena Village Square to the village cemetery.
Granville - Memorial Day Parade: 10:30 a.m. May 28 on Broadway and end in Maple Grove Cemetery with a ceremony.
Grove City - Memorial Day Parade and Service: Parade steps off at 11 am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and proceeds down Broadway, stopping at City Hall for a short ceremony. The parade will continue to Grove City Cemetery, 3605 Grove City Road, for the Grove City Memorial Day service Grove City’s observance of Memorial Day will again include a traditional parade and a concert honoring America’s fallen heroes. The Memorial Day parade will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 26, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 3730 Broadway. The procession will travel south on Broadway to the Grove City Cemetery on Grove City Road, where a service will be held. American Legion Paschall Post 164 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8198 will host the parade.
Hilliard - Memorial Day Ceremony: Members of Hilliard Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4931 and Hilliard’s American Legion Memorial Post 614 will observe Memorial Day with a joint ceremony at 10 a.m. at Wesley Chapel Cemetery, 3225 Dublin Road in Norwich Township. The ceremony, which will conclude with taps and a rifle-volley salute, will be held in the veterans section, in the southeast portion of the cemetery. Martin Sutton, commander of VFW Post 4931, is among the scheduled speakers, said Paul Ritzenthaler, the VFW quartermaster.
Galloway Cemetery - 9:30 a.m. Service conducted by Grove City Memorial Veteran of Foreign Wars Post #8198.
Alton Cemetery - 12:00 p.m. Service conducted by Camp Chase Post #98 of the American Legion.
Marysville - Memorial Day Parade: 8:15 a.m. “Lost at Sea” Ceremony at Schwartzkopf Park, 9:00 am Parade from Fifth and Plum Street to Oakdale Cemetery, 9:30 am Services at Oakdale Cemetery, Amrine Cemetery (American Legion Post 79), then the Catholic Cemetery (VFW) immediately after (near noon).
Newark - Memorial Day Parade: 10:15 am Parade route is from Everett Park, North on Cedar St. to Cedar Hill Cemetary for 11 am ceremony.
Perry Township – Memorial Day Celebration (4895 Reform Road NE, Newark) 1:00 P.M. Smith Chapel Cemetery.
Pataskala - Memorial Day observance: Memorial Day Ceremony starting at 10 am at the Pataskala Cemetery. Once completed the ceremony will continue at 10 am at Veterans Green.
Pickerington - The David Johnston Memorial Post 283 of the American Legion will continue its annual tradition of recognizing fallen servicemen and women during a series of area events. At 9 a.m., the post’s honor guard will present a ceremony in Victory Park, 100 Lockville Road, that will include a rifle volley and the playing of taps. From there, the guard will move on at 9:30 a.m. to perform similar ceremonies in Violet Cemetery, 180 E. Columbus St., Pickerington. After the ceremony in Violet Cemetery, the guard will travel to Glen Rest Memorial Estate, 8029 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg, to honor the fallen laid to rest there. Following those events, American Legion members will return to Post 283, 7725 Refugee Road, Pickerington, for a public open house that will begin at 1 p.m. That event will feature recognition of fallen servicemen and women, as well as guest speakers Jason Beardsley, a retired master sergeant from the U.S. Army Special Ops, and Rob Whitlow, an Operation Swift pilot during the Vietnam War.
Powell - Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony: Moe than 60 community groups will march in Powell’s annual Memorial Day observance. The parade route will begin at the north end of Grace Drive at 10 a.m., and will head west to North Liberty Street; marchers then will turn south on Liberty Street to Olentangy Street, where the parade will head right to end at the railroad crossing on Olentangy Street. A ceremony will be held immediately following the parade at the Greater Powell Veterans Memorial in Village Green Park, 47 Hall St. Retired U.S. Army Staff Sgt. David Neal will serve as the keynote speaker. Neal served for 10 years in units specializing in training, ordinance and the Corps of Engineers, Canavan said. In 2012, he deployed to Guatemala and also was deployed as part of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2014-15. The Delaware County Air Force Junior ROTC will provide the color guard and the Olentangy High School marching band will provide music for the service. A flag-retirement ceremony led by Powell-based Boy Scout Troop 428 will conclude the service. The Olentangy Rotary again will host its field of flags. The group, for the second straight year, will place about 100 flags in the park, which remain there all weekend.
Reynoldsburg - Reynoldsburg Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9473 will preside over five Memorial Day events. Capt. John Waibel said about a dozen color-guard members will visit several cemeteries to conduct three-volley gun salutes, play taps and honor veterans. The first ceremony is scheduled at 9 a.m. May 28 at Silent Home Cemetery, 1576 Lancaster Ave. At 9:45 a.m., the color guard will conduct a ceremony at Seceder Cemetery on state Route 256 in Reynoldsburg. The group will move on to Holy Cross Cemetery, 11539 National Road, Etna, at 10:30 a.m., followed by a noon appearance at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 5600 E. Broad St. The last ceremony of the day is scheduled at 1 p.m. at VFW Post 9473, 1420 Waggoner Road. A soldier’s cross is formed by a rifle with fixed bayonet standing in a pair of worn combat boots. The rifle is topped with a battle helmet and draped with dogtags, as a memorial to those who have perished in battle, according to information from the Veterans of Foreign Wars national website, vfw.org. It is said to have originated during the Civil War, when a rifle was stabbed into the ground to mark the final resting place of a soldier. Waibel said a number of local Boy Scout and Cub Scout troops will decorate veterans’ graves with small American flags May 26, the Saturday before Memorial Day.
Sunbury – Memorial Day Flea Market and Parade: 7 am – 5 pm. Shopping in Sunbury Village Square with vendors offering treasures, crafts, antiques, plants, and food. Admission for adults and teens: $1.00, children 10 and under are free. Parade is at 10 am to honor those who have served our country.
Thornville - AMVETS Post 51 will preside over a Memorial Day Ceremony is at 1 p.m. at the post.
Westerville - The American Legion Young-Budd Post 171 will hold the annual Memorial Day March on Monday, May 28 beginning at 9:45 a.m. The march will travel from the corner of College Avenue and North State Street to Otterbein Cemetery, by way of State Street, Bishop Drive and Knox Street.
Worthington - Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony: Per annual tradition, Worthington will have a parade and memorial service to honor veterans this Memorial Day. Both events are organized by the American Legion Leasure-Blackston Post 239, which has been coordinating the events for 98 years. The day’s observances will begin at 10 a.m. Monday, May 28, with the Memorial Day parade. The parade begins at East Dublin-Granville Road and Morning Street and proceeds south on High Street to Cemetery Drive. The route is about 1.2 miles. On the American Legion’s website, the group asks those in attendance to “focus on patriotism and/or honor veterans and honor those currently serving in the military” by wearing red, white and blue, displaying a flag or playing patriotic music. As usual, candy throwing, and political signs are banned from the parade. The parade will wrap up at the Circle of Honor at Walnut Grove Cemetery, 5561 Milton Ave. in Worthington, where a memorial will be held. The service will commemorate the lives of the veterans in and out of the cemetery. American flags will fly on the graves of about 1,300 veterans buried at Walnut Grove.
Wednesday, May 30
Military & Veteran Appreciation Day at the Memorial Tournament - from 7:00am – 7:30pm. The tournament is held at Muirfield Village Golf Club, 5750 Memorial Dr, Dublin. All active, reserve, veteran, Ohio National Guard, Gold Star families, retired and immediate family receive complimentary admission to the practice rounds, the honoree ceremony, the Jack Nicklaus Golf Clinic and more.
GREATER CLEVELAND, AKRON, CANTON AREA
MEMORIAL DAY EVENTS
Arranged by county
ASHTABULA COUNTY
Conneaut – Memorial Day Parade When: Monday, May 29, 2017; 1aam Route: Parade starts on Broad Street and ends at Liberty Street Cemetery.
COLUMBIANA COUNTY
Columbiana – American Legion Post 290 Annual Memorial Day Parade When: Monday, May 28, 2018; 10am Route: Parade marches from Main Street to West Park Ave. to Firestone Cemetery.
East Palestine – East Palestine Street Fair Four big days of rides, games, food, and entertainment. When: May 23-26, 2018
East Palestine – Memorial Day Parade The Memorial Day Parade sponsored by the George F. McBane Post 31 of the American Legion. When: Monday, May 28, 2018; 11am
CUYAHOGA COUNTY
Chagrin Falls – Blossom Time Festival & Parade Blossom Time Festival is hosted by the Chagrin Valley Jaycees and fills the streets of Chagrin Falls with strolling visitors taking in its carnival rides, the midway booths, food vendors and musical performances. The weekend's festivities include hot-air balloon launches every day, a Sunday parade like no other, and of course a Memorial Day parade on Monday, starting at Evergreen Cemetery at 10am. Activities center in Riverside Park adjoining the Chagrin River, and in the Triangle around the gazebo. When: Thursday, May 25 – Monday, May 28, 2018 Where: Chagrin Falls, OH Cost: FREE
Bay Village – Bay Village Memorial Day Parade and Services Monday, May 28, 2018 will be the annual Memorial Day Parade and formal observances to honor those that gave their life to our country and those that have served our country to support the freedoms we all enjoy every day. All Veterans are welcomed to join the American Legion, VFW, and VVA to march behind these organizations in the parade to be recognized. The parade will step off at about 8:45am from Huntington Park and march West on Lake Rd to the Lakeview Cemetery for services and recognition of the city founders that served early for our country. The parade will reform on Lake Rd and march East to Cahoon Rd. and turn South to end at the Gazebo. Community leaders and some local honorees will be recognized at the Gazebo ceremony. A 21-gun salute, taps, and patriotic music will be part of the ceremony to honor our local Heroes and current Veterans in our community. All are invited to line Lake and Cahoon Rd. to recognize the veterans, and enjoy the BHS Band, First Responders, and Scouts. Please remember that this is a solemn occasion and we request that you provide due respect for the event. When: Monday, May 28, 2018; 8:45am Route: The parade will step off at about 8:45am from Huntington Park and march West on Lake Rd. to the Lakeview Cemetery for services and recognition of the city founders that served early for our country. The parade will reform on Lake Rd. and march East to Cahoon Rd. and turn South to end at the Gazebo.
Bedford – Annual Memorial Day Parade When: Monday, May 28, 2018; 10:15am Route: The parade travels from the City Hall to Broadway Ave. to Bedford Cemetery.
Brecksville – Brecksville Memorial Day Parade The parade will step off from City Hall at 9am and conclude at Highland Drive Cemetery where our ceremony will take place. When: Monday, May 28, 2018; 10:30am Route: The parade travels from City Hall to end at Highland Drive Cemetery.
Broadview Heights – Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony + Recreation Center FREE Admission Day The City of Broadview Heights is holding its Memorial Day observance on Monday, May 28, 2018, starting at 11am. A parade serves as the gathering ceremony for the memorial service which honors our fallen soldiers. Veterans, dignitaries, military families, sports teams, organizations, businesses, classic cars, and marching bands from Brecksville-Broadview Heights and North Royalton High Schools will be participating. The parade will gather at The Crossings Shopping Center at 10:30am on W. Royalton Rd. and step off at 11 am on Broadview Rd., just north of Route 82. Spectators are invited to join the end of the parade and follow it to the Broadview Center where there will be a memorial ceremony, veteran tribute, and refreshments. When: Monday, May 28, 2018; 11am Route: The parade travels from The Crossings Shopping Center (Broadview Rd. and Royalton Rd.) to end at the Broadview Center.
Cleveland – Police Memorial Parade & Service Line Lakeside Avenue (Police Memorial Way) to support and honor law enforcement. See units of Pipes and Drums, marching bands, color guards, police cars, special response vehicles and more. When: Friday, May 18, 2018; Parade: 10:30am, Memorial Service: 11:30am Route: The parade travels from Lakeside Ave. westbound from E. 12th to W. 3rd St. The Memorial Service takes place in Police Memorial Square (Huntington Park).
Cleveland – 13th Annual Firefighters Memorial Day Ride Registration is available at be available at Rock-N-Roll City HD in Cleveland. When: Sunday, May 27, 2018 Where: The ride will end at Rock-n-Roll City Harley-Davidson in Cleveland, OH.
Cleveland – Lake View Cemetery Memorial Day Celebration Festivities take place at the Garfield Memorial and include a spirited parade, a rousing keynote speech, and a Sousa band concert. Picnic baskets and lawn chairs encouraged! When: Monday, May 28, 2018; 10:30am Where: Garfield Memorial, 12316 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106
Euclid – Memorial Day Parade The theme is: If You Value Your Freedom, Thank a Veteran. When: Monday, May 28, 2018; 10am Route: The parade travels from East 228th St. and Lakeshore, proceeds west on Lakeshore to East 222nd St. It then moves south on East 222nd St. to end at the Veterans Memorial next to Euclid City Hall, 585 E. 222nd St.
Fairview Park – Memorial Day Ceremony & Parade On Memorial Day, May 28, We DoCare will hold its annual observance in the rotunda at City Hall at 8am. All are invited to attend. Following the ceremony, the annual parade will step off at approximately 9am from Corrigan CraciunFuneral Home at West 208 Street and Lorain Road. The parade, led by theAmerican Legion Post 738 Color Guard, will guide all to the Fairview ParkCemetery where the Legion will honor all veterans. All residents are invited to come out to this year’s parade, attend the opening and closing ceremonies, and to bring their lawn chairs and sit along the parade route to show their support for veterans and troops currently serving. Show off your red, white, and blue! When: Monday, May 28, 2018; Ceremony: 8am, Parade: 9am Route: The parade travels from Corrigan Craciun Funeral Home to end at the Fairview Park Cemetery.
Independence – Memorial Day Service & Parade When: Monday, May 28, 2018; 9am-11am
Mayfield Village Memorial Day Celebration – Parade & Ceremony Join Mayfield Village and Disabled American Veterans and honor our veterans of all wars. Music, speeches, Color Guard and all service flags will be honored. Refreshments available after the ceremony. When: Sunday, May 27, 2018; 1pm-2pm Where: Whitehaven Memorial Park, 615 SOM Center Rd., Mayfield, OH 44143
Parma Heights – Memorial Day Parade Monday, May 28, 2018, Parma-South Presbyterian Church will celebrate 151 years of hosting Memorial Day Services on the front lawn of the church located at 6155 Pearl Rd. The services will be followed by a parade to the Parma Heights Cemetery. When: Monday, May 28, 2018
Richmond Heights – Memorial Day Ceremony Join the City of Richmond Heights for their annual Memorial Day Ceremony, which will begin at 10am at the Community Park Veteran's Memorial. Special guest speaker Col. Carl Carter and live Taps. Richmond Heights Police will fire a gun volley, and a moment of silence will be held to reflect upon those who made the ultimate sacrifice. When: Monday, May 28, 2018; 10am-11am Where: Richmond Heights Community Park Veteran's Memorial, 26789 Highland Rd., Cleveland, OH 44143
Shaker Heights – Memorial Day Parade Be part of Shaker’s Memorial Day ceremony at the flagpole in front of City Hall. Join friends and neighbors to watch the parade which follows. When: Monday, May 28, 2018; 9am-11am Where: The parade travels along Van Aken Blvd. (in the westbound lane) and ends at Thornton Park.
University Heights – Memorial Day Parade The parade steps off at 11am on the corner of Silsby and Warrensville Center. The parade proceeds down Silsby to South Belvoir and concludes at John Carroll University. A Memorial Day ceremony will be in front of the DeCarlo Center at JCU followed by a community fair. The fair includes free pony rides, bounce houses, face painting, and other activities for kids. Food trucks will also be on-site. When: Monday, May 28, 2018; Parade: 11am-noon, Post Parade Ceremony & Activities: 12pm-2pm Route: The parade travels from Silsby Rd. near Allison Rd., continuing east and turning south on Belvoir to end at the steps of John Carroll University Natatorium.
Westlake – Memorial Day Parade When: Monday, May 28, 2018; 10am Route: The parade travels from Sts. Peter & George Coptic Orthodox Church located on Hilliard Blvd. to end at Clague Park.
GEAUGA COUNTY
Auburn Township – Memorial Day Observence Due to construction at Maple Shade Cemetery, the service will begin at Adam Hall Community Center, 11455 Washington St., and will conclude at Shadyside Cemetery. When: Sunday, May 27, 2018; 9am
LAKE COUNTY
Mentor – Memorial Day Walking Parade & Ceremony Pay tribute to those who hove lost their lives serving our country. Parade units will gather at Heinen's parking lot on Mentor Avenue at 9am. Step off for the parade is at 9:30am and follows Mentor Avenue to Hopkins Rd. to Mentor Cemetery. The ceremony at the cemetery starts at 10am. When: Monday, May 28, 2018; 9:30am-10:30am Where: The parade travels from Heinen’s parking lot, along Mentor Ave. to Hopkins Rd., to end at Mentor Cemetery.
Painesville – Memorial Day Parade When: Monday, May 28, 2018; 10am-11am Route: The parade begins at 10am at Riverside Cemetery (385 Riverside Dr., Painesville, OH 44077)
LORAIN COUNTY
Avon Lake – Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park following the parade. When: Monday, May 28, 2018; 10am-12pm Route: Veterans Memorial Park, 32756 Lake Rd., Avon Lake, OH 44012
Grafton – Memorial Day Parade Contact the VFW for information (440) 926-3341. When: Monday, May 28, 2018; 12pm Where: Grafton, OH Cost: FREE
Elyria – Memorial Day Parade Parade Day is held on Memorial Day Monday. Participants meet on Second St. next to the First Congregational Church. Families are welcome to attend. When: Monday, May 28, 2018 Route: Parade begins in town square in downtown Elyria.
City of North Ridgeville Memorial Day Parade – Memorial Day Parade Sponsored by the North Ridgeville Lions and VFW. Parade will depart the Senior Center down Bainbridge Rd. to the Academic Center. Memorial Day Ceremony at the Ranger Stadium immediately following the parade. When: Monday, May 28, 2018; 9:45am Where: The parade travels from Senior Center down Bainbridge Rd. to the Academic Center. The ceremony will take place at Middle School Ranger Stadium (35835 Center Ridge Rd., North Ridgeville, OH 44039).
MEDINA COUNTY
Brunswick – Memorial Day Program & Parade The VFW Post 9520 and the American Legion Post 234 will hold a Memorial Day Program on Monday, May 28, 2018 at 10am at the Visintainer School grounds, followed by a parade that will begin at 10:30am and proceed to Westview Cemetery. The public is invited to attend. The parade will begin forming at 9:30am. When: Monday, May 28, 2018; 10am-11am Route: The parade travels from the Visintainer School grounds (1459 Pearl Rd., Brunswick, OH) to end at Westview Cemetery.
Medina – Armed Forces Day BBQ & Candlelight Vigil Veterans, bring your families and share some time with friends and enjoy a free BBQ. Immediately afterward, on Medina's Historic Square, Rolling Thunder Chapter 8 honors our Armed Forces with its annual Candlelight Vigil. When: Saturday, May 19, 2018; 3pm-5:30pm Where: Medina Veterans Hall Medina Vet Hall, 620 N. Broadway, Medina, OH
Westfield Center – Memorial Day Celebrations The Village of Westfield Center has a parade each Memorial Day. The parade is followed by a tribute to honor veterans. When: Monday, May 28, 2018 Route: The parade travels from North Leroy Park to end at the Cemetery on Greenwich Rd.
MAHONING COUNTY
Boardman – Memorial Day Parade & Service The 113th Boardman Memorial Day Parade begins at Boardman Center Intermediate School at 10am. Immediately following the Parade, join us at the Maag Theatre for a program honoring our Veterans led by the Kiwanis Club of Boardman. Officer Paul Poulos of the Boardman Police Department and Army/Iraq War Veteran is the Parade Grand Marshall and featured speaker at the Memorial Service. The Boardman High School Marching and Symphonic Bands will provide music for the Parade and Service. When: TBA Where: The parade travels from Boardman Center Intermediate School and down 224 to end at Boardman Park.
PORTAGE COUNTY
Aurora – Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony American Legion Ceremony begins at 9:30am followed by the parade, which steps off at 10am. When: Monday, May 28, 2018; Ceremony: 9:30am, Parade: 10am Where: The parade arts at Veterans Memorial Park (formerly Breezy Point Park), 40 W. Garfield Rd., Aurora, OH 44202
Rootstown – Rootstown Memorial Day Parade & Flag Raising When: Monday, May 28, 2018; 10am Route: The parade travels from Loretta Dr., eastbound on Tallmadge Rd., to end at Homeland Cemetery.
Suffield – Memorial Day Parade Memorial at the Town Hall at 1 pm, where a wreath will be laid and TAPS played by a member of the Field High School marching band. There will be bands, floats, marching groups, and more! When: Monday, May 28, 2018; 2pm Route: The parade steps off from Memorial Suffield Town Hall & Old Waterloo Rd.
STARK COUNTY
Alliance – Memorial Day Parade In case of rain, festivities will move to the Firehouse Theater located at 450 E. Market St. When: TBA Where: The parade steps off at Linden and Main St., continues to Union Ave., north to Diehl Court, west of Vine St., and ends at the Alliance City Cemetery.
Canal Fulton – Memorial Day Parade Sponsored by Canal Fulton VFW Post 9795, the Memorial Day Parade steps off from Lindsay Concrete 1pm. A short ceremony with the VFW Post 9795 Rifle Squadron and Northwest High School Band will follow the parade. When: TBA Where: The parade steps off from Lindsay Concrete 1pm, goes north on Canal St., turns onto Market St., and ends at City Hall.
Canton – Canton Memorial Day Parade and Observance A ceremony at the McKinley Monument will follow the parade. When: TBA Where: Parade steps off at the McKinley High School downtown campus (formerly Timken High School) and continues down Tuscarawas St. W. to Elgin Ave. NW, turns onto Seventh St. NW, and ends at the McKinley Monument.
East Sparta – Memorial Day Parade Following the parade, a service, organized by American Legion Post 244, will take place at the East Sparta Cemetery. When: TBA Where: The parade steps off at the former East Sparta grade school, proceeds to the Veterans Memorial on Walnut St., and ends at the East Sparta Cemetery.
Green – Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast, Parade, Ceremony, Community Picnic & Car Show The annual City of Green Memorial Day Parade, Ceremony, & Car Show is Monday, May 28, 2018 beginning with a pancake breakfast hosted by the City of Green firemedics at Fire Station No. 1; the parade steps off from the Green High School at 10am; the ceremony is immediately following the parade at the Veterans Park; and the community picnic and car show follows at the John Torok Community Center. When: Monday, May 28, 2018 Route: Parade steps off from Green High School, continues on Boettler Rd. to Massillon Rd. S. (southbound lanes) to Steese Rd., and ends at Green Middle School.
Jackson Township – 6th Annual Field of Honor/Field of Heroes The Jackson Township Rotary continue a local tradition, when they host their annual Field of Honor® / Field of Heroes display of U.S. flags. These flags fly in honor of those serving in active military service, the veterans who served before them and all those who have become our personal heroes. This solemn formation each year draws the residents of Jackson Town, Canton, Beldon and surrounding communities together to experience a breathtaking and memorable panorama of red, white and blue. Flags fly in tribute to the heroes of our community. When: May 25-29, 2018 Where: Jackson Township Safety Center at Corner of Fulton Rd. NW & Wales Rd. NW, Massillon, OH
Hartville – 78th Annual Memorial Day Flea Market The big weekend kicks off on Thursday, and runs Friday, Saturday (Closed on Sunday), and finishes up Monday. We typically have more then 1,000 outdoor vendors and around 30,000 customers. When: May 24-28, 2018 (Closed Sunday, May 27); All day Where: Hartville MarketPlace and Flea Market, 1289 Edison St. NW, Hartville, OH 44632
Magnolia – Memorial Day Parade A Memorial service will take place at 11am at Magnolia Cemetery located off Harrison Ave., and hosted by Sandy Valley American Legion Post 432. Some chairs will be provided for those unable to stand for the service. When: TBA Where: The parade steps off from Finefrock-Gordon Funeral Home, located at 266 N. Main St.
Massillon – Operation: Flags of Freedom American flags will be posted at the Perry High School Memorial on Friday, May 25 at 8 am through Tuesday, May 29 at 8 am. A variety of events will take place over the weekend, including The Hero Hunt (adult Easter Egg Hunt) on May 25, Rotary Patriots Parade at 11 am on May 26, Touch-a-Truck from 12pm-3pm on May 26, a free country concert at 8 pm on May 26 followed by a fireworks show, and more! When: May 25-29, 2018 Where: Perry High School, 3737 13th St., Massillon, OH 44646
North Canton – Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony A program will follow the Lion’s Club Memorial Day Parade in Bitzer Park. When: Monday, May 28, 2018; 8am-10am Where: Parade travels west on Seventh St. NE to N. Main St., then south on N. Main St. to the square at the Maple and Main intersection.
Perry – Rotary Patriots Parade & Patriots in the Park The parade is followed by the Patriots in the Park from noon to 4pm at Hartwick Park. Activities include veteran recognition, Lil Miss and Mr. Patriot contest (register at www.perrytwp.com), flower pot planting stations, a dunk tank, petting zoo, Boot Camp presentation, live entertainment, vendors, inflatables, and food. When: TBA Where: Parade steps off from near Township Hall and concludes at Edison Middle School.
SUMMIT COUNTY
Bath Township – 18th Annual Memorial Day Observance Bath Veterans’ Memorial Park, southeast corner of Cleveland-Massillon and Bath roads, annual recognition of those veterans who served our country, patriotic music, etc. When: Monday, May 28, 2018; 12pm Where: Bath Veterans Memorial Park, southeast corner of Cleveland-Massillon and Bath roads.
Hudson – American Legion Family Memorial Day Parade The annual American Legion Family Memorial Day Parade will step off at 10am from Milford Rd and will conclude with a service at Markillie Cemetery. The parade will assemble on Milford Rd., which is closed to through traffic starting at 8am. When: Monday, May 28, 2018; 10am-11:30am Route: Parade steps off from Milford Rd., Hudson, OH 44236
Kenmore – Kenmore Community Days Parade The 2018 Kenmore Community Days Parade will be held on Saturday, May 26 at 11am. It will step off from Kenmore High School as usual. When: TBA Route: The parade begins at Kenmore High School at 16th St. and Battles Ave., proceeds east to 13th St, right on 13th St. to Kenmore Blvd., right on Kenmore Blvd. to 22nd St., right on 22nd St. to Battles Ave., right on Battles Ave. and ends at festival grounds at Prentiss Park.
New Franklin – Memorial Day Parade When: Monday, May 28, 2018; 10am Route: The parade travels from the Grace Bible Church parking lot at 5781 Manchester Rd., turns right at Nimisilia Rd., and ends at Manchester Cemetery.
Tallmadge – Memorial Day Parade & Service The parade steps off from the Our Lady of Victory Church parking lot (73 North Avenue) and ends at Tallmadge Cemetery. The services include welcoming remarks, a prayer, a speech, the placing of the wreath for our fallen Veterans, and the playing of Taps. When: Monday, May 28, 2018; 9:30am Route: The parade forms at Our Lady of Victory Church parking lot (73 North Avenue) at 9:30am, moving out onto North Avenue at 10am, turning south towards the Tallmadge Circle, then turning onto the Circle, then exiting at Southwest Avenue to the entrance of Tallmadge Cemetery.
TRUMBULL COUNTY
Girad – Memorial Day Services Services will be held at the monument in front of the center. When: Sunday, May 27, 2018; 10:45am Where: Girard Multi-Generational Center, 443 Trumbull Ave., Girard, OH 44420
Warren – FREE W.D Packard Band Outdoor Memorial Day Concert Free and open to the public, courtesy of the W.D. Packard Trust. Doors open 60 minutes prior to the start of the show. When: Sunday, May 27, 2018; 3pm Where: Packard Music Hall, 1703 Mahoning Ave. NW, Warren, OH 44483
TUSCARAWAS COUNTY
Mineral City – Memorial Day Weekend at Atwood Lake Park Enjoy a golf cart and bike parade and live music from Star 69. When: May 25-28, 2018 Where: Atwood Lake Park, 9500 Lakeview Rd., Mineral City, OH 44656
CINCINNATI AREA MEMORIAL DAY EVENTS
May 25-27
CommunityFest - a three-day CommunityFest will be held Memorial Day weekend in Fairfield Township. Organized and run by the Fairfield Township Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, CommunityFest runs from 6-11 p.m. Friday; 4-11 p.m., Saturday; and from 4-9 p.m. Sunday, on the lawn at Bridgewater church, 3100 Princeton Road. This is the 13th year for the festival, which features rides by Triple Treat Show, games, food and vendor booths. The fire department will also bring its smoke house to teach fire safety for children. All proceeds from the festival benefit the township’s police department and local charities.
The Arlington Memorial Gardens Memorial Day Weekend Festivities: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. (Professional parachute team 7 p.m., DV8 concert 7:30 p.m.) Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. (Lunch with a veteran 11:30 a.m.) Sunday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday, Arlington Memorial Gardens, 2145 Compton Road, nearly 1,000 flags on display, exhibit honoring those whose lives have been lost in war on terror on display.
Saturday, May 26
INDEPENDENCE - Father and son duo Gerard and Valentin Quiedeville of Normandy, France, along with several other Northern Kentucky veterans will be guests of the Kenton County Public Library William E. Durr branch. They will make presentations 1-3 p.m. Saturday, May 26, at the library, located at 1992 Walton-Nicholson Road in Independence.
NORTH COLLEGE HILL - The Memorial Day Parade will be Saturday, May 26. Lineup begins at 10 a.m. at Roses’ parking lot and the parade steps off at 11 a.m. There is a route change this year. The parade will travel on Goodman Avenue to right onto Hamilton Avenue, left on Marilyn, left on Ellen, right on Bising, left on Gilbert and left on Galbraith Road.
Sunday, May 27
DELHI TOWNSHIP - The Delhi Township Veterans’ Association hosts an annual Memorial Day ceremony at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 27, at Veterans Memorial Park, 934 Neeb Road. Delhi’s 19 killed in action heroes will be honored. Patriotic songs, color guards, a bagpiper, grilled food and drinks will be featured. Parking is limited. Handicapped parking spaces will be available at the park. A free shuttle bus will be provided at the Delhi Senior Community Center at 697 Neeb Road. Email dtveterans@gmail.com or phone 513-471-8693 with any questions.
Monday, May 28
ANDERSON TOWNSHIP - Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony is May 28. Anderson Township hosts its annual Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony noon Monday, May 28, at Anderson Center. Guest speaker is Capt. Tim Waechter, recipient of the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, the Air Medal, The Vietnam Campaign Medal and Services Medals, the Army Commendation Medal and the National Defense Services Medal. A reading of deceased veterans’ names is planned. If you wish to have your loved one’s name read during the ceremony, sign in by 11:45 a.m. As part of the ceremony, a remembrance wreath will be placed at the base of the American flag. There will also be a three-volley rifle salute and playing of Taps. The event will be hosted rain or shine. For information contact Molly Mohrfield, 688-8400, or mmohrfield@AndersonTownship.org.
BLUE ASH - The Blue Ash Memorial Day Parade will start at 10:15 a.m. Monday at Reed Hartman Highway and Cooper Road. It travels about 1.6 miles along Cooper, Kenwood and Hunt roads to the Bicentennial Veterans Memorial Park. The parade happens rain or shine. More than 55 groups will participate in the parade which ranges from military and nonprofit organizations to local businesses and community groups. The Blue Ash Civic League sponsors the Memorial Day Parade with technical support provided by the city. The Memorial Day ceremony will begin at 11:30 a.m. Keynote speaker will be Lt. Col. Dominic “Nick” S. Fago, commander of the 123rd Air Control Squadron in Cincinnati. The Cincinnati Warbirds will perform a flyover, weather permitting. The Ohio Military Band will also perform. The Blue Ash Montgomery Symphony Orchestra Memorial Day concert will be 6-8 p.m. Monday, May 28, at Blue Ash Towne Square.
CHEVIOT - Cheviot’s annual Memorial Day parade will begin at 11 a.m. Memorial Day, Monday. Grand marshal is Kevin Swensen. The parade, sponsored by the Western Hills Veterans Council, begins at the intersection of Harrison and Frances avenues and ends at Harvest Home Park, 3961 North Bend Road. A memorial service takes place at Harvest Home Park immediately following the parade. Guest speaker is Robert Shinaman.
COLERAIN TOWNSHIP - The annual Colerain Memorial ceremony will start at 10 a.m. Monday, May 28, at the Colerain Gateway Memorial at the corner of Colerain Avenue and Springdale Road. Administrator Geoff Milz will begin the ceremony and Chaplain James Love will give an invocation. Fire and police honor guard units will present flags and the La Salle High School Vocal Ensemble will sing the national anthem. Dan Unger, president of the Colerain Township Board of Trustees, will speak. Wreaths will be laid at the memorials at the gateway. Military wreaths will be laid to honor each service branch: Army by Chris Green, Navy by Randy Taylor, Marines by Gordon Green, Air Force by Jim Acton and Coast Guard by Jim Metz. An honor roll of township police officers and firefighters who died in the line of duty will be read, Taps will be played and a prayer will end the service.
EDGEWOOD - The Edgewood Memorial Day Ceremony will be 10 a.m. to noon Monday at 550 Freedom Park Drive in Crestview Hills.
EVENDALE - Evendale will commemorate Memorial Day weekend with the Eyes of Freedom Memorial, a Vietnam War photography exhibit and the dedication of the Lance Corp. Christopher J. Dyer Memorial Highway. All events are free and open to the public and will be located throughout the village complex at 10500 Reading Road. The The Eyes of Freedom: Lima Company Memorial is open from dawn to dusk, Friday, May 25, through Monday, May 28, at the Veterans, Police & Fire Memorial. This traveling memorial depicts the fallen Marines and Navy Corpsman of Columbus-based Lima Company 3/25, one of the most heavily engaged units of Operation Iraqi Freedom. An opening reception for U.S. Army photographer Ken Williamson’s “Saying Goodbye to Vietnam” photography exhibit is 6-9 p.m. Friday, May 25, at the Evendale Recreation Center, 10500 Reading Road. The exhibit opens at 7:15 p.m. May 25 and will be open noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 26, and Sunday, May 27, at the recreation center. He will present “Photography in a War Zone” at 1 p.m. Sunday at the recreation center. At 4 p.m. Monday, May 28, there will be a Memorial Day ceremony that starts by honoring a young Marine from Evendale killed in action in Iraq in 2005 with dedication of the Lance Corporal Christopher J. Dyer Memorial Highway. Lt. Godfrey Miller, a 93-year Evendale resident and one of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen pilots of World War II, joins the ceremony as his veteran plaque is unveiled. A flight chief of the Red Tails, Leslie Edward Sr., also 93, will address the gathering. The will also be special musical performances by the 35th Indiana Irish Pipes & Drums Regiment.
FAIRFIELD - Fairfield’s 10 a.m. parade leaves Express Scripts parking lot, 4865 Winton Road, south on Hicks Boulevard, west on Nilles Road, left on Bibury, right on Wessel Drive, ending at Veterans Memorial Park. Brief program follows at park with comments from Mayor Steve Miller and representatives from veterans groups. Patriotic music begins at park at 10 a.m.
FLORENCE - The City of Florence Memorial Day Parade takes place at 10 a.m. on Monday, Boone County High School, 7056 Burlington Pike, Florence. Parade begins at school and goes down Burlington Pike/Ky. 18 onto Ewing Boulevard to the Florence Government Center. Program begins at 11 a.m. Dress for weather.
FORT WRIGHT - Fort Wright’s Memorial Day Service will be 10-11 a.m. Monday, May 28, at the Fort Wright City Building, 409 Kyles Lane. Keynote speaker will be Major Robert Hebbeler who served in Vietnam for the U.S. Army.
GREEN TOWNSHIP - Green Township officials and VFW Post 10380 will conduct a Memorial Day Ceremony for the Green Township community beginning at 2 p.m. Monday, May 28, at Green Township Veterans Park 6303 Harrison Ave.
HAMILTON - U.S. Navy veteran and past commander of Hamilton’s American Legion Post 138, Bill Harvey serves as grand marshal of the parade. It leaves Monument Avenue at 10 a.m., moving east on High Street to Seventh Street to Heaton Street, to Greenwood Cemetery. Keynote speaker is U.S. Army veteran Roy Miller who served in the Vietnam War as a helicopter gunship pilot before going on to serve with the Ohio Army National Guard, retiring after 31 years of military experience. The Butler County Combined Honor Guard will render a 21-gun salute to veterans, ending the program with the playing of taps.
MIDDLETOWN - *Middletown: Grand marshal for the 10 a.m. parade is Ginger Bruggeman, mother of deceased Middletown marine and firefighter Scott Bruggeman. Units leave Smith Park, head down North Verity Parkway to 14th Street, ending at Woodside Cemetery at 11:30 a.m. Keynote speaker for program is Sen. Frank LaRose, an Army veteran who served as a Green Beret in the U.S. Special Forces. There will be a white dove release.
MOUNT HEALTHY - Mount Healthy’s Wesley Warner Memorial American Legion Post 513 starts its annual parade at 2 p.m. Monday at Hill and Hamilton avenues. The parade moves south on Hamilton Avenue to Hastings and ends at the Veterans Memorial on McMakin Street for a flag-raising ceremony and brief program in memory of all veterans. For more information, call the Legion at 513-729-0061.
PARK HILLS - The Park Hills Memorial Day Parade will be 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday. The parade will form at Notre Dame Academy on Dixie Highway in Park Hills 10:30-11:20 a.m.
WEST CHESTER - Organized by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7696, the 10 a.m. parade will begin at the intersection of Aviation Way and Dimmick Road. Navy veteran Llano Coolidge Bell, 96, is the parade’s grand marshal. Drafted in 1944 at the age of 18, Bell served aboard the USS Hamlin, a seaplane, during World War II, at Pearl Harbor, Saipan, Guam, Iwo Jima and Toyko. Parade units proceed north on Cincinnati-Dayton Road to West Chester Road west to Brookside Cemetery, 6425 West Chester Road. At the cemetery there will be a ceremony honoring those who have served their country in the past and current members of the armed service. Army National Guard Col. James Eriksen Jr. is serving as a guest speaker. He has been awarded several medals.
DAYTON AREA MEMORIAL DAY EVENTS
May 25 - 26
Patriot Freedom Festival, 11:00am – 6:00pm, Dayton VA Medical Center, 4100 W Third St, Dayton. Remembering the Great War. WWI. Free parking. Food and craft vendors, historic displays, grotto garden tours, speaking of history program, live entertainment, living historians, military history displays, history bus tours to aviation sites (Wright Brothers). Memorial services.
Saturday, May 26
Sunday, May 27
Memorial Day Mass at Calvary Cemetery: Honoring those who have made the heroic sacrifice to defend our country's freedom. - Read More
Monday, May 28
Bellevue-Dayton - The 89th Bellevue-Dayton Memorial Day Parade starts at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the corner of Sixth and Main Streets in Dayton. The parade will travel west on Ky. 8 to the Bellevue Vets. World War II Marine veteran Louis E. Smith, who fought at the Battle of Iwo Jima against the Japanese, will be the parade grand marshal.
Beavercreek - The City of Beavercreek Parks, Recreation & Culture Department invites everyone to the services at Veterans Memorial Park. - Read More
Dayton National Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony - 11:00am – 1:00pm, 4400 W Third St, Dayton. The ceremony will take place at the Soldiers Monument.
Miamisburg – Memorial Day Parade. Join the community to celebrate our country’s heroes! - Read More
Wednesday, May 30
Fallen Heroes: A Day of Honor and Remembrance – from 10-11 a.m. at the American Pride Veteran Memorial 324 Wilmington Avenue Dayton, OH 45420. A special ceremony honoring the lives and service of all Ohio veterans. RSVP to bbruns@hospiceofdayton.org or 937-256-4490 ext. 4447. More info:
TOLEDO AREA MEMORIAL DAY EVENTS
May 25-28
Put-in-Bay Memorial Day Weekend - At Put-in-Bay, this three-day weekend has grown to be one of the busiest and most popular weekends of the year. Marking many families end of school year and start of summer vacations, Put-In-Bay's most popular entertainers return to the island to perform Memorial Day weekend, many with multiple shows! You can see who is playing where by visiting our Put-in-Bay Ohio Entertainment Page. Active Duty service members and Veterans will receive discounts on the Put-in-Bay Ferry and many Put-in-Bay Merchants. Memorial Day Services are held to honor our Veterans past and present at the Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial visitors center plaza Both Sunday and Monday feature an antique car parade started years ago by island legend Skip Duggan. The car parade generally starts around 2:30 pm and at times features over 100 antique and classic cars. A big hit with the kids is the candy truck at the end tossing treat to the children. The Put-in-Bay Resorts award winning pool and swim up bar the Blue Marlin will be the daily hot spot serving up great music, fun times and awesome food and drinks. Be sure to reserve your Put-in-Bay Resort or Hotel room early as this weekend means FUN! Reservations for hotels and resorts can be made on line or by calling 1-888-742-7829. If you are looking for Put-in-Bay Home rentals, they can be booked on line or by calling 216-898-9951.
Monday, May 28
Toledo - City of Toledo Memorial Day Parade: 9:00am Brief Ceremony at Toledo Memorial Park. 10:15am Parade from St. Joseph Parish to Veteran’s Memorial Field. 11:00am Memorial Day Service at Veteran’s Memorial Field.
Findlay - 830am Memorial Day Ceremony with a parade to follow. Meet at the bridge by the Memorial statute on Main and Center street in Findlay. There will be a small ceremony at the bridge followed by the Memorial Day Parade.
Put-in Bay - Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial will honor our fallen veterans, including the three American and three British Naval Officers interned beneath the Memorial Column’s rotunda, at a Memorial Day Service on the lower plaza at 11 am. The Memorial Day Procession, led by Put-in-Bay American Legion Post #542 will depart the Park’s Visitor Center at 11am and make its way to the Column. After the program, a Wreath of Remembrance will be placed over the stone marking the resting place of the six veterans buried here. Bagpipes will play Taps and Amazing Grace before a musket volley and firing of the carronade. Area veterans are invited to attend the Memorial Service. Island ferry services give free passage to veterans on Memorial Day. For rates, go to: https://www.nps.gov/pevi/index.htm
Perrysburg - Memorial Day Commemoration Noon to 5 pm at Fort Meigs: Ohio's War of 1812 Battlefield, 29100 W. River Rd. Perrysburg. 419-874-4121. Join the staff and volunteers of Fort Meigs in honoring our nation's fallen heroes. War of 1812 soldiers and civilians reenact camp life throughout the day. A special wreath laying ceremony takes place at 2 p.m. at the Fort Meig, s Monument. The ceremony ends with a wreath laying and musket salute at the Pennsylvania Monument.
MEMORIAL DAY FREEBIES AND DISCOUNTS
Cedar Point Salutes America’s Armed Forces this Memorial Day with free admission, May 25-28! In appreciation for their service and bravery, Cedar Point and Cedar Point Shores offer free admission to all active, retired, and honorably discharged members of the United States Military May 25-28. Up to six (6) tickets can also be purchased for immediate family members at our daily military discount ticket rate of $44. Must show valid form of ID at ticket admissions window to receive free or discount admission tickets. Valid ID includes: active duty ID, retired personnel ID, VA ID or a copy of DD-214 discharge papers and photo ID.
Blue Star Museums – Free Admission to over 2,000 museums More than 2,000 museums across America offer free admission to active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day. There are also Blue Star Theatres, a program offering discounted or complimentary movie admission to all military personnel and their families, as well as veterans.
Cincinnati Zoo Free admission to all members of the military on Memorial Day, July 4th and Veteran’s Day. The offer also allows military personnel to purchase up to six (6) half-price admission tickets for members of their immediate family. Includes active military, retired military, National Guard, veterans with honorable or medical discharge and Reserve Officers’ Training Corps with government issued ID.
Commissaries Sidewalk sales will occur worldwide through May 31, 2018. In conjunction with May’s Military Appreciation Month every commissary worldwide will have a weekend two- or three-day outdoor (weather permitting) sidewalk sale, offering extra savings including special deals on some case and club pack items. Check here for your local commissary’s sidewalk sales Some military exchanges will hold sales events in conjunction with commissaries.
King’s Island Free admission to active and retired members of the U.S military during the 2018 Memorial Day holiday weekend, May 25th – 28th. Free admission tickets will be issued to active military, retired military, National Guard, veterans with honorable or medical discharges, and Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadets with government issued ID.
Sherwin-Williams In honor of Military Appreciation Month, Military and Veterans save an additional 10% on Paints & Stains during the month of May. Those eligible for the discount must be currently serving, a reservist or have served in the military, including ROTC, the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army or Royal Canadian Air Force, OR be the spouse of someone currently serving. Please show valid military issued ID.
Under Armour Online Military & Veteran 10% Discount & Free Shipping Veterans and active duty service members receive 10% off with a valid TroopID. See here for details on how to get a TroopID and receive the 10% discount.
