158th Parma Heights Memorial Day Commemoration Was A Wonderful Event

View Image Gallery

Albeit a bit chillier than usual, the sun was shining brightly for the 158th Parma Heights Memorial Day Ceremony. The ceremony and parade drew hundreds of residents and spectators. The Parma Heights Memorial Day service is the oldest continuous Memorial Day celebration in the state of Ohio.

The morning ceremony at the Parma-South Presbyterian Church at 6155 Pearl Road featured Parma Heights Mayor Marie Gallo, keynote speaker Fox 8 Reporter/Anchor Suzanne Stratford who is a veteran of the Persian Gulf War, Parma Heights Firefighter/Paramedic Michael Zevchek, American Legion Post #703 Commander Dan Easa, Rev. Christin Moreland of Parma-South Presbyterian Church and Ohio Senator Tom Patton, along with the Valley Forge Marching Band, under the direction of Mr. Evan Campus and members of Boy Scout Troop #263. 

Suzanne Stratford highlighted her experiences serving as a Sergeant in the Army National Guard for eight years as a CBRN (Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear) specialist attached to the Military Police and as a veteran of the Persian Gulf War, in addition to discussing her more than 25-year career with WJW-TV Fox 8 News.

New this year, the morning started with a wreath laying at the Parma Heights Veteran’s Memorial at Greenbrier Commons. After the service concluded, Pearl Road was lined with parade watchers as the Parma Heights Memorial Day Parade stepped-off from Parma-South Presbyterian Church, and proceeded north on Pearl Road to the Parma Heights Cemetery. The parade included the American Legion Post #703, the Valley Forge Marching Band, the Parma Heights Police Department, the Parma Heights Fire Department, the Little Boots Farm with horses, Parma Heights Recreation Department Soccer teams, members of Boy Scout Troop #263, the Parma Heights Historical Society and members of Parma Heights City Council, who handed out flags to everyone along the parade route

The Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery service included a wreath laying ceremony, a 21-gun salute, the playing of “Taps” and reflections of the 78 veterans who are buried in the Parma Heights cemetery, ranging from The Revolutionary War to the Vietnam War.

Once again, it was a great morning honoring those who have gave their lives in service to our nation.

http://www.parmaheightsoh.gov/

https://www.facebookcom/CityofParmaHeights/

Parma Heights – Community Grows Here.