Boardman Memorial Day parade is May 31


Staff report

The 106th Memorial Day Parade and Service is set for May 31.

The Boardman Kiwanis Club invites any and all groups in Boardman to participate in the parade. Groups participating in the parade will assemble at the Center Middle School at 9:30 a.m. and the parade will begin at 10:00 a.m. The parade will proceed north on Market Street, to U.S. Route 224, then head east on Route 224 to Boardman Township Park, continuing into the park to the Maag Outdoor Arts Theatre for the Memorial Day Service.

Individuals attending may want to bring their own folding chairs.

Mike Lacivita, a U.S. Navy veteran, member of the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of fame, member of the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame and local author will be the grand marshal and speaker.

Deacon Mike Kocjancik of St. Charles Catholic Church will give the invocation. Mark Luke, Kiwanis member, will be master of ceremonies for the services.

Lt. Col. Bill Moss, U.S. Air Force Retired, will lead the Pledge of Allegiance and place a wreath in honor of deceased veterans. The National Honor Society from Boardman High School will place a wreath in honor of current military personnel serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and the rest of the world. The Boardman Spartan Marching Band will march in the parade and the Boardman Spartan Wind Ensemble will provide music for the memorial service.

Organizers expect participation from the township trustees and officials, the fire and police departments and school board as well as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Camp Fire Girls, Kiwanis, Rotary, Lions, Boardman Civic Association, Antique, Classic and Model T Car Clubs, ambulance companies and bicycles.

The service clubs will pass out candy to the children of all ages.

Organizer George Grim said that if people want to participate, they can show up at 9:30 a.m. Memorial Day at Center Middle School and check in with one of the organizers. If they have questions, though, they can call Grim at (330) 758-5847.

In the event of rain, the service will be held in the Boardman Middle School Auditorium.