Barberton community honors the fallen
PHOTOS BY EMILY CANNING-DEAN | BGNN
Greg Pivens, a lifetime member of VFW Post 1066, serves as guest speaker for the May 26 ceremony at the Lake Anna Military Honor Wall.
Visitors to Barberton’s annual Memorial Day service included members of the American Legion and VFW Post 1066, members of the Barberton High School band and choir, local scout troops, city officials and community members.
By EMILY CANNING-DEAN
BGNN staff writer
BARBERTON The chill in the air the morning of May 26 didn’t seem to deter people from all walks of life from showing up at the Lake Anna Military Honor Wall to honor the memory of the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Visitors to Barberton’s annual Memorial Day service included members of the American Legion and VFW Post 1066, members of the Barberton High School band and choir, local scout troops, city officials and community members.
The service began as Boy Scouts raised the American flag and lowered it to half-staff. The high school band performed the National Anthem and the choir paid tribute with patriotic songs.
Ernie Penko, commander of VFW Post 1066, thanked the people who made the event possible including city workers who power washed the area and cleaned up after trees fell during a recent storm.
“I also got a call from some of the local Boy Scouts who noticed the mulch was filled with leaves and twigs so they came down and cleaned up the whole area and I want to thank them for what they did,” Penko said. “I also want to thank Kyle Kent for setting up this whole ceremony and the band and choir directors for being here.”
Kenneth Cheatham opened the ceremony with an invocation.
“Today we pause to remember the brave men and women who laid down their lives for our freedom,”he said. “May their courage never be forgotten. May we live lives worthy of their sacrifice. For those who still mourn, remind us that true peace is found only in you.”
Mayor William Judge welcomed guests to the service and reminded that Memorial Day was officially recognized as a federal holiday in 1971 as a time to honor the memory of those who gave their lives in service to the country.
“Let’s not forget the sacrifices they made for the freedom we enjoy today,” Judge said. “The City of Barberton is dedicated to honoring those true heroes and it is important we do everything we can to pay tribute to honor them and never forget the sacrifices they made for our freedoms. This administration is dedicated to making this military honor roll a tribute to those who lost their lives and to making the backdrop of Lake Anna Park as beautiful as possible. This is a great crowd and we appreciate you being here today.”
Greg Pivens, a lifetime member of VFW Post 1066, served as guest speaker for the ceremony.
“This is a special day not only for veterans who gave their lives, but also for first responders who put their lives on the line,” he said. “I think police officers, firefighters and emergency people who work in hospitals also deserve to be honored. There is a lot to being a service man. Not everybody can do it. Not everybody will do it. But to the ones who sacrificed their lives, it is truly special and we thank you.”
The ceremony ended with a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps.
