Messenger photos by Dedra Cordle On May 29, hundreds of families throughout the southwest region gathered together in Grove City for the annual Memorial Day parade and service. Hosted by the American Legion Paschall Post 164 and Veterans of Foreign Wars 8198, the commemorative event pays homage to the men and women of the military who have died while in service to their country. Here, members of the American Legion’s Honor Guard present arms during the remembrance ceremony at the Grove City Cemetery.Navy veteran Donald Cooper salutes the flag alongside his wife, Shirley, and their friend, Vi Davis.The John Hoover Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution walk in the parade.Members of the Jackson Township Fire Department unfurl an oversized American flag from the back of Ladder 204.Ollie Kristek, Isaac French, Alice Kristek and Rowan French show their patriotic spirit while they await the start of the ceremonies.The Grove City Division of Police Honor Guard marches down Broadway.Members of the Grove City High School Marching Band perform in the parade.World War II veteran Emilio J. Ranalli waves to the crowd as the Jeep he is riding in gets a push down the street from bystanders. The WWII-era Jeep stalled earlier on the parade route but was fully operational as it made its way back to the Central Ohio Military Museum in Harrisburg after the ceremony.The Ohio Army National Guard Brig. General Matthew Woodruff and Congressman Mike Carey (not pictured) placed a memorial wreath at the headstone that is dedicated to the memory of the men and women who served the country.
