Valley Memorial Day events offer something for everyone

POLAND

With many Memorial Day celebrations planned throughout the Mahoning Valley, organizers say there’s something for everyone, depending on how residents want to honor Americans who have died while serving their country.

In Poland, the tradition of a stately parade will continue, said Jeff Vrabel Sr., commander of Sons of the American Legion Mahoning Valley Squadron 15.

Forty years ago, the American Legion posts in Youngstown and Poland combined, and the parade in Poland has occurred every Memorial Day since then, he said.

“My son, Jeffrey, said it best. Our parade is kind of like a funeral procession. We want this to be a solemn, not necessarily somber, parade. The only reason we’re there is to honor those who probably didn’t make it back home. ... It’s just the way we want to do it,” he said.

Poland’s grand marshal is Dean McClain, 80, an Army veteran and three-time commander at American Legion Mahoning Valley Post 15. McClain, who grew up in Canfield, said he watched World War I veterans march in the Memorial Day parade.

For more on the moments and events of the day, read today's Vindicator or Vindy.com.