North Royalton residents and its safety forces spent Memorial Day morning at the North Royalton Cemetery to honor military veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have.
North Royalton Mayor Paul Marnecheck and VFW Post 3345 Commander Tim Zvoncheck delivered remarks that emphasized the true meaning of Memorial Day. A 21-gun salute was given to the vets and “Taps” was played along with “Amazing Grace.”
Mayor Marnecheck reminded those in the crowd why Memorial Day exists. “It exists because too many of our service men and women gave what President Lincoln called the last full measure of devotion. They gave their lives in service to our nation.”
Mayor Marnecheck said it is important to remember those military veterans on this and every Memorial Day. “Today we pay tribute to those heroes. We remember their courage; we remember their dedication and their sacrifice. And we say thank you.”
Prior to Memorial Day, small American Flags were put in the ground near the headstones of deceased military veterans in the North Royalton Cemetery. The VFW Post laid wreaths at the Soldier’s Monument which honors Royalton’s Civil War Veterans.
Commander Zvoncheck reminded everyone of the sacrifices that were made by military men and women, saying, “Many of the fallen were very young. Most had dreams that will never be fulfilled. They were either husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, brothers or sisters. They all answered the call that was greater than themselves. For 250 years, these men and women were called to defend the Constitution of the United States and they carried that oath to the very end.”
Then, Commander Zvoncheck thanked those who gave up part of their Memorial Day to attend the solemn ceremony. “That is why ceremonies like this matter. That is why communities like this matter because here names are remembered.”
Commander Zvoncheck had a special message to military veterans in attendance who made it back home. “Memorial Day is deeply personal. It is a day filled with memories of your friends, brothers and sisters in arms. Some that fell by your side. Some of these memories are spoken aloud while others are carried deep inside. But they will also never be forgotten”.
With those words, the remembrance came to a close. If you haven’t been to the North Royalton Cemetery for the Memorial Day Ceremony, make it a point to come next year. Come to remember and say thank you.
By Joe Jastrzemski
Contributing Writer
