Marlboro honors veterans with Memorial Day parade and ceremony

For the 34th year, Marlboro Township held its annual Memorial Day Parade and Marlboro Cemetery program to honor military veterans, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation.

The day began at the Marlboro Township Fire Station, where volunteers served food to residents before the parade. Although the morning followed several days of rain, the weather improved in time for the festivities, and spectators lined the route early to claim their favorite viewing spots.

The weather also permitted a flyover by the 910th Airlift Wing of the Youngstown Air Reserve Station. A Lockheed C-130H2 Hercules transport aircraft flew over the community, adding a patriotic touch to the observance.

Leading the parade was Police Chief Ron Devies in a black unmarked vehicle. Serving as parade marshal was the Rev. Ed Harnish, who recently retired as chaplain of the Marlboro Fire Department and also served as pastor of Marlboro Christian Church.

A Vietnam War Army veteran, Harnish was recognized for the guidance and support he provided firefighters and emergency personnel over the years. Fire department members credited him with helping them navigate difficult calls while also providing spiritual leadership through prayer and Bible studies.

The 1st Marlboro Volunteers marched with local residents representing periods of American military history from the French and Indian War through Operation Desert Storm. Veterans carried flags representing the nation's military branches, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine.

Following them were units from the Marlboro Police and Fire departments, neighboring safety forces, the Marlington Marching Dukes, local businesses, youth sports teams, the Marlboro Women's Club, township trustees, Scouts carrying a large American flag, elected officials and owners of classic and custom automobiles. As always, plenty of candy was handed out along the parade route.

The parade concluded at Marlboro Cemetery, where the annual memorial ceremony was held. Jeff Baker served as master of ceremonies and also participated in the Memorial for the Deceased. Trustee Wayne Schillig served as bell ringer, while the 1st Marlboro Volunteers provided the color guard, military honors and salutes throughout the day's events.

Members of the Marlboro Student Council led the Pledge of Allegiance. The Marlington Band, under the direction of Brett Pendergast, performed the national anthem and later a patriotic medley. The Rev. Dan Kenyon of New Baltimore Community Church offered the invocation and benediction.

Guest speaker Vondea Sheaffer reflected on the importance of Memorial Day and the responsibility communities have to remember those who served.

A longtime volunteer and leader with the Marlboro Township Historical Society, Marlington Alumni Association and numerous local organizations, Sheaffer said the reasons people gather each year are deeply personal.

“For just a few minutes, we're going to talk about the importance of Memorial Day, the power of showing up, and how important you are to this and future Memorial Days,” she said.

She spoke about Marlboro's deep roots and the generations of families who helped build the community through service, faith and volunteerism.

“By standing here today instead of being anywhere else, you are making a powerful statement,” Sheaffer said. “You are choosing to remember.”

She also discussed the origins of Memorial Day, which began as Decoration Day following the Civil War, and quoted President Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.

“Memorial Day is a dedicated, sacred time for mourning and honoring the military personnel who died while actively serving in the United States armed forces,” she said. “They gave up all of their tomorrows so that we could have our todays.”

Sheaffer emphasized the importance of keeping the memories of local veterans alive for future generations.

“A soldier dies twice,” she said. “First, when they take their last breath in the line of duty. Second, when someone speaks their name for the very last time. It is our job as a community to ensure that the second death never happens to the heroes of Marlboro.”

Special music was provided by the Community Singers. Debbie White presented a Gold Star tribute by reading the poem “I Made It Home,” followed by the presentation of a memorial wreath by Bob Graham.

After the cemetery service, the 1st Marlboro Volunteers conducted brief memorial observances at Hardscrabble Cemetery, New Baltimore Cemetery and St. Peter's Church Cemetery.

The Marlboro Township Historical Society also opened its historic home, the former residence of Drs. Kersey and Eliza Thomas. Visitors enjoyed donated ice cream while learning about the society's ongoing restoration efforts at the home, which may have been a stop on Ohio's Underground Railroad network.