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BELLAIRE -- The village park was the site of a Memorial Day service honoring the true spirit of the day.
The speaker was village Councilwoman Janet Richardson, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1982-86.
“We will always be eternally grateful for all the men and women who have served and do serve in the armed forces, and for their efforts to continue to protect our nation and freedoms,” she said, adding that Memorial Day is a time to honor those who gave all so the country can be “the land of the free.”
“This is the ultimate sacrifice. Today, people all across this great country of ours are gathering at cemeteries, monuments and parks just like this one to recall the valor of men and women who died in combat. Ordinary folks like the coal mine worker, bus driver, farmer, mother, teacher and storekeeper who rose above ordinary to call for something bigger than themselves in order to protect you and me and the freedoms of this nation.”
Richardson noted that Memorial Day traditions call for the American flag to be raised quickly against the wind to the top of the flagpole, then slowly lowered to half-staff until noon, then raised for the remainder of the day.
“At 12 noon, we the living raise this memory to full-mast to ensure that their sacrifice is always honored, never forgotten, and was never in vain,” she said.
She quoted former President Calvin Coolidge:
"No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave."
Richardson said they have a duty to keep the memory of the fallen alive.
“We also need to take a moment to think about the families and loved ones left behind,” she said.
Veteran Jim Weekley directed the presentation of memorial wreaths by representatives of the American Legion, honoring those who fell during the nation’s conflicts.
John Purtiman of the Bellaire American Legion served as master of ceremonies.
Also thanked was Choral Director Kristen Allodi and the chorus of Jackson Middle School of Parkersburg, West Virginia. Allodi, who came from Bellaire, said she was grateful for the chance to return home and share music selections.
Mayor Ed Marling welcomed those present.
The Rev. Dan Heusel of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church gave the invocation, referring to John 14:13, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”