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Those attending Memorial Day ceremonies in Boardman were reminded that ‘freedom is not free’
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4-year-old Olivia Brugnoni of Boardman waves a flag while watching the Memorial Day parade in Boardman.
By Sean Barron
BOARDMAN
The audience was deeply touched when Sgt. James Rapone handed to children many of the 50 stars he had cut from an American flag.
The gesture was a way he hopes the youngsters will remember and honor those who have served their country.
“I hope in some way the stars will touch their hearts and let them see that freedom is not free,” said Rapone, of Champion, a retired Marine who was the keynote speaker during Monday’s 108th annual Memorial Day parade and celebration at Boardman Park’s Maag Outdoor Arts Theater.
A former Boy Scout serving overseas in the military sent to Rapone, a 43-year Scout leader, the flag, which was retired during a ceremony at Camp Stambaugh in Canfield. Rapone decided to remove the stars to give to children at Monday’s gathering as a reminder to honor current soldiers and veterans, he explained.
Rapone enlisted in November 1964 in the Marines and served in Vietnam in 1967 and 1968, including during the Tet Offensive, a military campaign launched Jan. 30, 1968, against South Vietnamese and U.S. forces.
Preceding the program was a parade that began at Boardman Center Middle School on Market Street and proceeded to the park. Rapone also was grand marshal of the parade.
Rapone expressed pride toward several family members who were in the military, including his grandfather, who served in World War I. He also painted a stark and grim picture of war.
“Ladies and gentlemen, there is no glory in war, only casualties and sacrifices. The greatest casualty is to be forgotten,” he said.
Fighting back tears at times, Rapone asked World War II veterans as well as those currently serving to stand and be recognized. He also implored attendees to honor and remember fallen comrades.
“Today’s men and women serving in the military are of the highest excellence,” he concluded.
Also during the one-hour program, National Honor Society members from Boardman High School placed a wreath near the flagpole to honor current military personnel. Lt. Col. Bill Moss placed a memorial wreath in the same area to remember those killed in action.
Boardman-based Boy Scout Troop 46 members raised and lowered the flag during the playing of taps.
The Boardman High School wind ensemble played several military marches as veterans and current military personnel of all branches lined up next to a memorial plaque to applause.
Mark Luke, a Boardman Kiwanis Club member, made additional remarks, and the Rev. Ash Welch, pastor of Boardman United Methodist Church, gave the invocation.