A day of remembrance

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SIDNEY — The men and women who lost their lives defending the United States were remembered during Monday’s Memorial Day observance on the courtsquare in downtown Sidney.

“We’re here today for one thing. That is to honor our deceased comrades, some of whom died serving their country, the majority of whom returned home after performing their military duties, raised families, became productive citizens, and are buried today in the community which they served,” said Retired Capt. Chuck Craynon, U.S. Marin Corps, who was the master of ceremonies.

An invocation was given by Pastor Jim Oates, St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, and the national anthem was played. Welcoming remarks were given by Anthony Bornhorst, Shelby County commissioner, and Sidney Mayor, Mike Barhorst.

“Memorial Day honors all the soldiers who were murdered fighting for their nation. It should be noted that the men and women we celebrate today are ordinary people who dared to fight for a cause and died in doing so. On this most solemn of holidays, I ask that you take time to consider the great sacrifices others have made so that we may enjoy the freedom and prosperity that we enjoy today” said Barhorst.

The Pledge of Allegiance, led by Ainsley Wiford of Girl Scout Troop 20283 was followed by General Logan’s Orders, read by Dr. William Ross III, U.S. Marine Corps veteran.

Dennis Clausing SMSgt., U.S. Air Force, retired, currently serving on the Veterans’ Benefits Committee, spoke on the topic of remembering those who are the true heroes in our society.

“Don’t underestimate the power of simply saying thank you,” said Clausing.

Carleen Petit, Gold Star Wife, placed the wreath for the soldiers, and American Legion Post 217 presented the rifle salute and the playing of Taps.

Following the event on the square, spectators were invited to reconvene at the Monumental Building to the Shelby County Veterans Service Office to witness the unveiling of a new name added to the Civil War Memorial.

Pvt. William J. Peel was a member of the 55th Massachusetts Infantry, United States Colored Troops. was added to the memorial after he came to the attention of those doing research through the Shelby County Historical Society. Peel was a resident of Shelby County and died during the Battle of Honey Hill in South Carolina, Nov. 30, 1864.

The celebration was concluded at Graceland Cemetery with an invocation, the placing of wreaths, the reading of the Gettysburg Address, rifle salute, and the playing of Taps.

Wreaths were placed by Gold Star Mothers/Families, DAV Chapter 48, Western Ohio Marine Corps League, American Legion Post 217 and Auxiliary Organizations, Amvets Post 1986 and Auxiliary Organizations and Voiture 984

Navy veteran Carl Zimmerman read the Gettysburg Address.

“Please, forgive the speaker and remember the author as there’s never been a time in our history that we needed these words more than we do today,” urged Zimmerman.

World War II veteran Robert Sargeant, of Sidney, salutes the U.S. flag during the playing of the National Anthem while attending the City of Sidney Memorial Day service on the courtsquare Monday, May 29. The guest speaker for the event was Ohio American Legion National Executive Committeeman Dennis Clausing a retired Air Force Master Sergeant. Other speakers included Dr. William Ross, III, who read General Logans Orders, Shelby County Commissioner Tony Bornhorst, Sidney Mayor Mike Barhorst and Master of Ceremonies retired US Marine Corp Capt. Chuck Craynon. After the courtsquare ceremony guests went to the Monumental Building where a new name, William J. Peel, was unveiled on the Civil War memorial plaque. Peel served in the 55th Mass. (USCT) during the civil war.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2017/05/web1_SDN053117Memorial1.jpgWorld War II veteran Robert Sargeant, of Sidney, salutes the U.S. flag during the playing of the National Anthem while attending the City of Sidney Memorial Day service on the courtsquare Monday, May 29. The guest speaker for the event was Ohio American Legion National Executive Committeeman Dennis Clausing a retired Air Force Master Sergeant. Other speakers included Dr. William Ross, III, who read General Logans Orders, Shelby County Commissioner Tony Bornhorst, Sidney Mayor Mike Barhorst and Master of Ceremonies retired US Marine Corp Capt. Chuck Craynon. After the courtsquare ceremony guests went to the Monumental Building where a new name, William J. Peel, was unveiled on the Civil War memorial plaque. Peel served in the 55th Mass. (USCT) during the civil war. Luke Gronneberg | Sidney Daily News

American Legion Trustee Larry Music, of Sidney, places a wreath for the 40 and 8 during the Memorial Day service held at Graceland Cemetery Monday, May 29. The 40 and 8 refers back to WWI when troops were moved around on box cars which could hold 40 men or 8 horses.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2017/05/web1_SDN053117Memorial3.jpgAmerican Legion Trustee Larry Music, of Sidney, places a wreath for the 40 and 8 during the Memorial Day service held at Graceland Cemetery Monday, May 29. The 40 and 8 refers back to WWI when troops were moved around on box cars which could hold 40 men or 8 horses. Luke Gronneberg | Sidney Daily News

Guest speaker Ohio American Legion National Executive Committeeman Dennis Clausing a retired Air Force Master Sergeant talks during City of Sidney Memorial Day servies Monday, May 29.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2017/05/web1_SDN053117Memorial5.jpgGuest speaker Ohio American Legion National Executive Committeeman Dennis Clausing a retired Air Force Master Sergeant talks during City of Sidney Memorial Day servies Monday, May 29. Luke Gronneberg | Sidney Daily News

Boy Scouts salute during a 21 gun salute held at a Memorial Day ceremony at Graceland Cemetery Monday, May 29.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2017/05/web1_SDN053117Memorial2.jpgBoy Scouts salute during a 21 gun salute held at a Memorial Day ceremony at Graceland Cemetery Monday, May 29. Luke Gronneberg | Sidney Daily News

Civil War reenactor Bill Fuller, left, of Sidney, and Sidney Police Sgt. Tony Cunningham unveil the name of Civil War veteran William J. Peel newly printed in the lower right hand corner of a Civil War memorial plaque in the Monumental Building. Shelby County Historical Society Secretary Rich Wallace oversaw the ceremony held on Memorial Day, Monday, May 29.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2017/05/web1_SDN053117Memorial4.jpgCivil War reenactor Bill Fuller, left, of Sidney, and Sidney Police Sgt. Tony Cunningham unveil the name of Civil War veteran William J. Peel newly printed in the lower right hand corner of a Civil War memorial plaque in the Monumental Building. Shelby County Historical Society Secretary Rich Wallace oversaw the ceremony held on Memorial Day, Monday, May 29. Luke Gronneberg | Sidney Daily News
Memorial Day observance held in Sidney

By Paula Frew

For the Sidney Daily News

The writer is a regular contributor to the Sidney Daily News.

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