From soldiers like Harold Root Kerr, who 100 years ago was the first Bellefontaine soldier to give his life for the country in World War I, to the nurses and soldiers killed in combat exercises, the United States’ military history is full of heroes.
Memorial Day services at the Bellefontaine Cemetery concluded with the placement of a wreath by World War II veteran Arthur Kemp, center, and fellow veterans. The parade also featured placement of wreaths at various locations, including the Vietnam War Memorial in Mary Rutan Park (also pictured in Tuesday’s Examiner). (EXAMINER PHOTOS | REUBEN MEES)
“They still speak to us,” Kent Long, commander of the 2nd Ohio District of the American Legion, said as he began his speech at the annual Memorial Day Service in the Bellefontaine Cemetery.”
“If you listen quietly you can hear them. You remember their voices from conversations you’ve had before they gave their last measure of devotion to this nation. And even if you are not a Gold Star family member, a battle buddy, friend or relative of a fallen hero, all you have to do is look around and you will see their legacy.
“It is us. Americans gathered in a free society, unified with the common purpose of honoring uncommon bravery.
“We are their legacy,” the U.S. Air Force veteran told the crowd gathered on a hot May morning to remember those who gave their lives serving the country and the families left to deal with the losses.
Read complete story in Tuesday’s Examiner.
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