Households lined up on the road as an annual Brownhelm Township Memorial Day parade on Might 30 made its method again to the group.
After being canceled in 2020 as a result of COVID-19, the parade returned this yr with an extended procession and with the shock addition of the Amherst Hearth Division.
Marcia DePalma, president of Brownhelm Historic Affiliation, mentioned the parade was one in every of her favourite elements of the yr.
“We’ve lived right here for 33 years and this has at all times been the spotlight of my spring,” she mentioned.
DePalma learn the names of deceased Amherst firefighter personnel who had been buried within the cemetery because the viewers prayed.
In attendance was Amherst Cub Scout Pack 429 and Boy Scout Troop 427.
Scout Jayden Stewart, 11, mentioned he was grateful to have the chance to be a part of the Memorial Day observance.
Aerie Sacharski, 7, mentioned she was honored to attend the ceremony.
“I’m proud to assist serve our nation and state as a Scout,” she mentioned. “It feels prefer it’s an honor to be right here.”
In the course of the temporary ceremony, Eric Rivet, Brownhelm Historic Affiliation member and curator of the Cleveland Historical past Middle, gave a brief speech about conflict journalist Ernie Palmer.
Rivet spoke of Palmer’s dedication to reporting on World Struggle II and the lengths required to report it.
After writing firsthand accounts on the conflict and handing over each day columns for practically three years, Palmer was shot and killed by a Japanese machine gun.
He was awarded the purple coronary heart though he was not within the armed forces.
Rivet reminded the viewers to recollect and take into consideration the psychological well being of those that have seen conflict.
“We’re right here to honor the troopers which have fallen. They had been defending us,” mentioned Jayden Stewart.
The Scouts and Cub Scouts mentioned they felt feelings starting from happiness, to pleasure and sorrow.
Aiden Sacharski, 11, mentioned the true that means of Memorial Day is about remembrance.
“Memorial Day is about greater than what it appears. It’s not concerning the cookout of household reunions,” he mentioned. “It’s about remembering the troopers who sacrificed their lives to guard us.”
