Despite the rainy weather on Memorial Day, North Royalton city officials, first responders and residents came to the North Royalton Cemetery at the City Green to pay tribute to the military members who sacrificed their lives in service to our country.
North Royalton Mayor Larry Antoskiewicz and Strongsville VFW Post 3345 led the ceremonies at the Cemetery. The Mayor was not surprised that many North Royalton residents braved the weather to honor our departed veterans.
“I really, really believe that many in our community respect what our military has done for us. And what better way to pay tribute to them. After all, they marched through the heat and cold, fought in the jungles and in the blizzards in World War II. The least we can do is to stand in the rain for 30 minutes to honor our veterans.”
The Mayor went on to say that the City is mindful of the veterans in the City, both past and present members. “This service takes place once a year, but we do things in this city to honor their service as much as we can and respect what they did.”
Kevin Kuntz is one North Royalton resident who stood under an umbrella to honor veterans who gave their lives. “It is important to remember the sacrifices that were made for us. I don’t mind walking in the rain or standing in it to do that.”
John Geng agreed with that assessment. “Those guys walked and fought in conditions that were worse than this.”
Tim Zvoncheck is Commander of VFW Post 3345 in Strongsville. He thanked residents of North Royalton who made an extra effort. “It’s easy to come out when it’s nice and sunny. It takes an extra effort to come out in the rain and its appreciated more when we talk about what today is all about.”
Zvoncheck continued. “We are here today to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service to our nation. Memorial Day is a day of profound significance. It’s not a day for Barbeque’s and the start of summer. It’s a solemn day to reflect on the bravery and selflessness of our fallen heroes.”
The VFW then placed a wreath at the North Royalton War Memorial, gave a 21-gun salute to honor deceased veterans and played “Taps” and “Amazing Grace.”
Following this ceremony, the crowd made the short walk down Royalton Road to the Jeffrey Boskovitch Memorial on the City Green. Corporal Boskovitch died as a result of enemy actions while in Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve in Brookpark.
North Royalton’s Veterans Liasion Wally Ohler says Memorial Day is always a special Day in his life. “It’s a time to show honor and respect to those who have worn the uniform. It represents the greatest country on earth.”
Ohler says Memorial Day gives him a chance to really reflect on his time in military service and on those families he has helped. “It gives me a chance to really dig deep into the hearts of individuals who are here to help them deal with loved ones who are lost.”

By JOE JASTRZEMSKI
Contributing Writer