McDONALD — The service and sacrifice of those who served the country in the armed forces were remembered Sunday at a Memorial Day weekend service at Woodland Park in the village.
The event included placing flags at the war memorial in the park to honor those from the village who gave their lives for the freedoms people have today.
Memorial Day services are also planned today in several communities throughout the Mahoning Valley.
Mayor Ray Lewis said Memorial Day is sacred and a way to honor those who have gone before us.
“Today we honor the memory of those who have given their lives in service to our country. May the ceremony today deepen your reverence for those we have lost,” Lewis said.
Guest speaker Capt. Doug Craver, military chaplain at the 910th Airlift Wing at the Youngstown Air Reserve Station and also a high school history teacher, said we honor the men and women who gave their lives and for their courage and devotion.
Craver served during the Iraq Conflict.
“Today we honor and remember their sacrifices. Memorial Day is important because it is time set aside to honor and remember those who died during military service,’’ he said.
Craver said as a chaplain he has overseen the funerals of veterans who have died from suicide or tragic accidents while other have died after living long lives.
“Hearing of their lives and services always changes the way I look at Memorial Day weekend,” he said. “Memorial Day will be a time of people gathering together with family and friends, but it should be so much more than that. It is a chance for us to remember and reflect.
“For those of us who have worn the uniform of our country this is an opportunity to think about others who have served and given their lives. I think of those I served alongside who did not come home.”
He said he has helped in recent years placing flags on markers at cemeteries for veterans and reflects on what each veteran’s life was like.
“I think about what their service was like and their lives were like,’’ he said.
Carver said it is important for the upcoming generations to continue the Memorial Day services and events and ways to honor and remember those who served the country in the military.
“I believe my freedom and others are in the hands of today’s young people. Ronald Reagan said that freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. The next generations must stand up. We must pass on what we know to the next generation.’’ Carver said.
He said it is important to teach the next generations about the importance of Memorial Day and Veterans Day, bring them to Memorial Day ceremonies and to take them to cemeteries and explain the purpose of flags being placed on veterans’ markers.
“We need to show those around us that we appreciate them for what they did for our country. The flags placed on the graves help us to remember those who have passed,’’ Craver said.
During the ceremony McDonald resident Gerald Benyo, a veteran who served during the Vietnam War, placed wreath at the war memorial to remember the 19 service people from McDonald who gave their lives
In addition members of the village council and the fire department placed flags around the war memorial to remember those from the village who served and lost their lives.
Lewis said these servicemen who lost their lives were sons,brothers, friends and some fathers.
“As you are with your families today, remember what today is about. Remember those whose sacrifice allows us to have the freedoms we have today,” Lewis said.
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