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Hundreds attend veterans appreciation event at Canfield Fairgrounds
By Sean Barron
CANFIELD
A top priority for David W. Gilbert has been pleasing and following in the footsteps of his father, who served two years in the Vietnam War.
That desire led to eight years of service in the Army for Gilbert, including five in the Reserves.
“I have the most respect for my dad, who raised me and my brother and who worked long hours for us,” said Gilbert, of Lisbon.
Gilbert’s father, Robert Gilbert, also instilled in his son a deep loyalty toward those who serve their country.
That loyalty was apparent during the younger Gilbert’s participation in Saturday’s first Military Appreciation Event at the Veterans Memorial at the Canfield Fairgrounds.
The gathering was to honor the 205 military members from Mahoning, Columbiana and Trumbull counties killed in action, beginning with the Vietnam War, as well as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Also remembered were Howard B. Carpenter and Donald M. Klemm, both of whom are missing in action.
The one-hour event featured the dedication of a Wall of Honor on which all 205 names are inscribed. Each name also was read aloud.
Many of the hundreds of those attending the program dabbed at tears as Gilbert sang the patriotic Billy Ray Cyrus song “Some Gave All,” which focuses on the legacy of a largely forgotten war hero who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.
“That song says everything,” said Gilbert, who was part of an infantry unit that worked to restore order in Haiti in the mid-1990s.
A poem written by Larry Stephens of Warren also says a lot about thanking and welcoming home military personnel who fought for others’ freedom.
“I was inspired by my daughter [Destiny Joy Stephens], and she said, ‘Can you write a poem honoring our veterans and soldiers?’” Stephens said about the poem he titled “Soldiers of Freedom We Thank You.”
The piece reads in part: “We thank you, yes, you who went to Iraq, Afghanistan and other foreign lands. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts, for fighting a war that we didn’t even start.”
Stephens, who oversees the Youngstown City and Regional Prayer Team, said he wants his poem to honor soldiers and veterans of every war, adding that he hopes to have it proclaimed an official “welcome home” poem to honor those in the military.
The event’s keynote speakers were U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Niles, D-17th, and Judge Robert P. Milich of Youngstown Municipal Court.
Ryan drew a parallel between Isaiah 6:8, a Bible verse that tells how the prophet Isaiah stepped up and asked God to send him to speak to the people, and those who serve in the military.
“We stand here today to honor the men and women who said, ‘Send me,’” Ryan told the crowd.
Despite society’s high priority on consumerism and materialism, veterans serve as a reminder of the importance of living for something greater than oneself, he continued.
In addition to receiving health care and other services they earned, veterans need others’ love and support, Ryan said, adding that about 18 veterans commit suicide daily.
“It’s a black mark to our nation,” he concluded.
Judge Milich, a retired lieutenant colonial who served 28 years in the Air Force, noted that more outreach is available to veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and other ailments. For example, the Mahoning County Bar Association has about 13 lawyers who work for free on behalf of veterans.
In addition, Judge Milich said, wrap-around treatment services look at verterans’ family situations and other conditions surrounding them, he noted.
“We need to get the word out to veterans that there’s a lot of help available,” Judge Milich added.
The appreciation day also featured a host of activities and entertainment for children, including an obstacle course, a remote-controlled air show, a strong-man competition and a tug-o-war tournament.