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Community Corner

Parade, Service Honor Fallen Troops

Sen. Rob Portman addresses crowd at cemetery.

Hundreds of people turned out on a warm Memorial Day to honor Brecksville's fallen and veterans who returned home with a parade and somber memorial service punctuated with honorary rifle fire, bagpipes and taps.

The Brecksville Memorial Day parade kicked off at City Hall at about 10:45 a.m.

A large crowd of flag-bearing spectators melted in the heat while watching floats, Boy Scout troops and the Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School marching band parade by. Police officers lined the streets, keeping traffic out of the way and parade goers organized.

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“It was hot,” was the first comment of Pack 59 Cub Master Eric Miller, who walked the parade with his troop.

He also said a troop member wondered why a memorial parade only occurred yearly, emphasizing how important the day’s remembrance is.

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With the many veterans in and around the parade route, it couldn’t be more obvious today was the holiday marking the beginning of summer.

A World War II veteran, Trevor Jones, took his place in the parade and couldn’t be more proud.

“I think it’s wonderful,” he said about the event celebrating veterans like him.

Since 1955, he has lived in the city after marrying a “Brecksville Girl.” He recalls that, unfortunately, many of his friends are buried in the cemetery he stood in after the parade.

This is where residents gathered to reflect upon all Brecksville veterans. Mayor Jerry Hruby led a ceremony that included the national anthem, music by the marching band, a bagpipe solo and rifle salute.

Sen. Rob Portman gave a Memorial Day address among these events. He spoke of a recent trip to Afghanistan.

“These veterans symbolize what’s best about our country, don’t they: patriotism, devotion to duty, commitment to preserving our way of life,” he said. “Today we say a special thank you to each and every one of them for what they’ve done, not just in honoring their sacrifices, but also we need to honor our promises and commitment to them now and in the future.”

Portman acknowledged the death of Osama bin Laden, which the crowd awarded with appreciative applause. He said these men and other veterans have fought for the value of democracy and a unified, not divided, nation.

Parade attendee and Broadview Heights resident Ela Szablicki enjoyed the holiday’s events in both Broadview Heights and Brecksville.

“I was able to shake the hands of the veterans,” she said. “I was very moved by the moment.”

The honor she felt by the opportunity hit home. Her neighbor returned from serving in Iraq not long ago.

Mayor Hruby ended the Memorial Day ceremony by saying to all veterans, “Thank you for your service. God Bless you all.”

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