On Monday, Galionites will come together to celebrate and commemorate, just as they have for many decades.
Locally, that takes the form of a parade from Public Square out to Fairview Cemetery, with an opportunity there to pay tribute to those who fell in service of their country and fellow men.
That was certainly the case 50 years ago in Galion. On May 28, 1973, the parade and services at Fairview took place sponsored by American Legion Post 243. Speaker for the occasion was Rev. Charles Bechtel, pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church.
This year the event is being coordinated by the VFW and will begin promptly at 10:00 AM in front of the Legion on South Market Street. As in years past, a brief stop will be made on the way to Fairview Cemetery in front of the Veterans Flag Memorial to the east of the Municipal Building on Harding Way East.
Other Memorial Day Events In The Area:
Mansfield Memorial Day Parade: Starts at 10:30 AM on Monday at the 5-way intersection of Park Avenue West and Marion Avenue, and continues to the gazebo in Central Park. A memorial service will follow the parade with speaker Doug Theaker, a Korean War veteran.
Placing of Flags in Mansfield Cemetery: The public can participate in placing a flag on veterans’ graves at 9 AM Saturday, May 27, at Mansfield Cemetery, 389 Altamont Ave.
Avenue of the Flags Observance in Ontario: This annual event, sponsored by the VFW Post 9943 Auxiliary, will take place at 1 PM. Sunday at Mansfield Memorial Park, 2507 Park Avenue West in Ontario.
Memorial Day Parades in nearby towns: Memorial Day parades will also be held in Bellville, Butler, Lexington, Plymouth, and Shelby on Monday morning.
Shiloh Memorial Day Service: A service to honor veterans will be held at 8:15 AM Monday at Mt. Hope Cemetery on Noble Road West at Shiloh-Norwalk Road.
Bucyrus Memorial Day Parade: The parade will begin forming at Washington Square at 9 AM on Monday and will step off at 9:30 AM. The parade will head toward Oakwood Cemetery where the program will begin at 10 AM.
