The village of Garrettsville came together Monday morning for a deeply reflective Memorial Day observance, beginning at the Veterans Memorial on Maple Avenue, continuing with a community parade, and concluding with a formal ceremony at Park Cemetery. Residents lined the streets and filled the cemetery grounds to honor those who gave their lives in service to the nation.
The day opened with a short service at 9 a.m. at the Maple Avenue memorial, where the community gathered in quiet respect. From there, a parade made its way through the village streets, led by the James A. Garfield High School Marching Band. Community EMS, the Garrettsville-Freedom-Nelson Fire Department, VFW Post 5067. Scout troops 4062 and 4065 also participated, each group drawing applause from the crowd as they marched with purpose and pride.
The main ceremony at Park Cemetery followed, with flags fluttering among the headstones and music rising above the stillness. Pastor David Gray offered the opening prayer, emphasizing the sacred importance of remembering. “The gift of memory brings hurts and pains and difficulties,” Gray said. “But it also brings hope. I thank you, Lord, that we have something to remember that we can treasure—that there are those who cared so much for us and for this nation that they would give all that they had.”
Mayor Rick Patrick delivered a powerful address, distinguishing remembrance from celebration. “We are not here to celebrate Memorial Day,” he said. “We are here to remember—remember our veterans and their sacrifices, and remember our servicemen who didn’t make it home.” He praised the courage and selflessness of those who served, adding, “They didn’t go to war because they loved fighting. They were called to be part of something bigger than themselves. They were ordinary people who responded in extraordinary ways in extreme times.”
Local journalist, retired history teacher, and longtime resident Iva Walker brought personal perspective and poetic reflection to the ceremony. “The phrase ‘All gave some, some gave all’ is applicable in more instances than we will ever know—and more than this nation will ever appreciate,” she said. Quoting lyrics from the Zac Brown Band, she reminded the audience: “It’s not just the long weekend. It’s ‘I thank God for my life, for the stars and stripes—may freedom forever fly.’” She concluded by pointing to the words of “America the Beautiful,” reciting, “God mend thine every flaw, confirm thy soul in self-control, thy liberty in law,” adding, “We could do this. They gave us the ability.”
Dr. Michael Carlson offered a stirring reflection, urging those present to not only remember but to act. “We stand here on this hallowed ground of memory to honor the fallen,” he said. “Their absence reflects a void that time can never fill. Yet even in our sorrow, our hearts swell with immense gratitude.” He continued, “Today isn’t just a day of looking back—it’s a day to reflect inward, on the values they defended: duty, courage, patriotism. These aren’t just words. They are pillars.” Carlson challenged the audience to honor the dead by helping the living: “We owe their families, and we owe ourselves and our children, to make a difference.”
During the wreath-laying ceremony, floral tributes were presented by Boy Scout Troop 4065, Cub Scout Troop 4062, Masonic Lodge 246, Garrettsville-Hiram Rotary, and VFW Post 5067. John Kable, representing the veterans, delivered a heartfelt message to the youth in attendance. “As you grow older, the most important thing you can do is to thank and remember those who bought and paid for the freedoms you enjoy,” Kable said. Recalling the Cold War era of his own childhood, he spoke of how Memorial Day traditions shaped his understanding of sacrifice. “We didn’t always know what everything was about, but we were proud—and respectful—because that’s what we were taught.”
The ceremony closed with a rifle salute by VFW Post 5067 and the playing of “Taps” by the James A. Garfield Band. Pastor Gray offered a final prayer, giving thanks “for the beauty in the midst of pain, and the hope that sustains us.”
