By Tara Figurski
Staff Writer
Veterans organizations have planned a variety of activities on Memorial Day to honor veterans.
The West Broad Street Bridge Memorial Day ceremony will be held in downtown Columbus on May 25 at 9 a.m. American Legion Navy-Marine Post 276 will host the ceremony that honors sailors and Marines who have fallen in service to their country, said Reynoldsburg American Legion Post Commander Pete Margaritis.
“A floral wreath shaped as an anchor will be cast into the Scioto River in memory of all sailors and Marines,” Margaritis said.
Steve Ebersole, public relations director, Franklin County American Legion 12th District, said the Memorial Day service honors any veteran who served in the sea services and has passed away whether in service or after their service including Coast Guard, Merchant Marines, Marines and Navy.
“We remember all our comrades who have gone before us,” Ebersole said. “It is our job to educate the public to remember those who have given service to this nation for that flag that we fly proudly.”
Reynoldsburg American Legion Post 798 will hold a ceremony at Silent Home Cemetery in Truro Township on May 22 at 6 p.m., in which the tradition of replacing the cemetery’s flag will take place. Following the service, there will be the decorating of veteran graves. Boy Scout Troop 277 will assist.
“We replace the flag on the pole every year,” Margaritis said. “We decorate the graves of the veterans every year with American flags.”
Margaritis said the American Legion 12th District will have a ceremony at Greenlawn Cemetery on Memorial Day at 11 a.m. and members of the Reynoldsburg American Legion will participate.
“We need to remember why we do Memorial Day, to honor those who made the ultimately sacrifice so that we can enjoy our freedom,” Margaritas said.
The Color Guard of Reynoldsburg VFW Post 9473 will participate in several Memorial Day ceremonies on May 25 including: Silent Home Cemetery at 9 a.m.; at Cedar Cemetery at 9:45 p.m.; Holy Cross Cemetery at 10:30 a.m.; the VFW Post at noon; and Forest Lawn Cemetery at 11 a.m.
“We do a lot of things to honor our veterans and fallen comrades,” said Color Guard member Jeff Ludwig. “We do probably 80 funeral services a year.”
