Keep original intent of Memorial Day alive, Valley speaker urges

By SEAN BARRON

news@vindy.com

ELLSWORTH

Even though more than 1.1 million Americans have made the ultimate sacrifice in wars defending the United States, too many people still think of Memorial Day as the extension of a long weekend, a veterans-affairs expert contends.

The last Monday in May, formerly known as Decoration Day, symbolizes a lot more than the unofficial start of summer, as well as firing up the grill and opening the swimming pools. It should be viewed as more than “a third day in a long weekend,” said Jim Olive, keynote speaker of Sunday’s Memorial Day service at Ellsworth Elementary School, 6194 S. Salem-Warren Road here.

Olive, coordinator of Youngstown State University’s Veterans Affairs office, told an audience of more than 100 students, military personnel, residents and others that he feels more youngsters need to know veterans’ sacrifices. Today’s society is filled with distractions, but the accomplishments of those of all military branches should still be recognized, appreciated and celebrated, he continued.

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com, with photos from the observance.