A Valley Salute

By Sean Barron

Participants young and old join to honor memories

More than 1 million people have lost their lives defending the country since 1775, a speaker said.

AUSTINTOWN — Austin Ward, Collin McBride and David Durda might be too young to understand what it’s like to lose a loved one who served in the military, but that did not dim their desire to be part of a parade honoring those who made such a sacrifice.

“I hope someday the president would stop wars,” 9-year-old Collin said, “I’d like to see people get along better.”

All three boys are members of Cub Scout Pack 84 of Austintown, and being in Monday’s annual Memorial Day parade was the first time for each. Austin, Collin and David held a flag and said they hope to participate in next year’s event.

The parade started in the parking lot of Marc’s Discount Store near Mahoning Avenue and Idaho Road, with hundreds of people lining the half-mile route to Austintown Fitch High School’s Veterans Memorial, where many stayed for an hourlong commemorative assembly honoring those who died serving their country.

The keynote speaker for the event, hosted by American Legion Memorial Post No. 301 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post. No. 4237, both of Austintown, was Air Force Reserve Lt. Col. and Judge Robert Milich of Youngstown Municipal Court.

In his 10-minute presentation, Judge Milich noted that more than 1 million men and women have given their lives serving the nation since the Revolutionary War in 1775.

Originally, Memorial Day, which was previously known as Decoration Day, was to remember those who died in the Civil War. In 1967, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday to honor people who were killed in all wars, the judge pointed out.

Judge Milich said that until wars stop, it will remain important to honor the memory of people who gave their lives in defense of the nation.

“Hopefully, someday there will be no more wars, but until then, we’ll need men and women to answer the call,” he said. “Hopefully we’ll never forget them.”

Giving comfort and aid to family members who lost loved ones in combat, or pausing to remember those who made such a sacrifice are two of many ways to remember the “fallen heroes,” Judge Milich concluded.

Leaving floral offerings next to the memorial were members of Post 301 and its auxiliary unit; VFW Post 4237 and its auxiliary units; Austintown fire and police departments; Mahoning County Sheriff’s Department; Austintown Women’s Junior League; Pearl Harbor Survivors Association; and Cub Scout Packs 84 and 184 of Austintown. Yellow roses also were left to remember women who served in the military.

The master of ceremonies and the parade’s grand marshal was Joseph L. McCormick, past commander of American Legion Post 301.

Those who attended also heard musical selections by the Austintown Fitch High School marching band, as well as a salute to deceased veterans by members of the Ohio National Guard.