Paying the price for freedom

By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- It's important to remember all veterans because freedom isn't free, retired Brig. Gen. William Weise of the Marine Corps says.
Weise was a guest speaker and parade marshal at the Veterans Day observances Tuesday beginning in Monument Park.
It's a time to remember veterans, from those who fought at Valley Forge to those fighting in Iraq today, he said.
"We know it was the veteran, not the politician, who gave us our freedom," Weise said. "It was the veteran, not the preacher, who gave us freedom of religion, and it was the veteran, not the reporter, who gave us freedom of the press."
Weise of Virginia served in active duty for more than 30 years, retiring in 1982, and has numerous combat decorations including the Navy Cross and the Silver Star.
Revived
About 300 people braved rain and chilly temperatures to participate in the ceremony and watch the parade, which was revived this year by the Tribune Chronicle and the Trumbull County Veterans Day Federation after a yearlong absence.
Mayor Hank Angelo said the city has been working for the last few months to move its war monuments to Monument Park, located north of the log cabin, near the Market Street-Mahoning Avenue intersection.
Graves of veterans found at Union Cemetery have been designated with markers, the mayor said.
The 2002 parade was canceled when people failed to show interest, said Samuel Lanza, who is retired from the Marine Corps and a trustee for the federation.
Lanza believes that before that, the parade was an annual event dating back to World War II.
"I marched in at least 45 of them carrying the American flag," Lanza said.
He was pleased with Tuesday's turnout, particularly considering the weather.
"It's fantastic," Lanza said.
More than 60 units lined up to march the parade route.
denise.dick@vindy.com