Memorial Day observances returning to Hermitage
May 23—HERMITAGE — Those who served their country will be honored with a series of events this Memorial Day in Hermitage.
The observations Monday will include the annual Memorial Day parade, a ceremony and a car show, said Ron Orndorff, commander of the Hickory VFW Post 6166 in Hermitage.
"Last year was good," Orndorff said. "We had decent weather, and I think last year had some of the biggest crowds of spectators on the sidelines, so we're hoping for another good crowd this year."
The parade will begin at 10 a.m. Monday across from the Shenango Valley Mall on North Hermitage Road, moving south until the parade turns west onto East State Street.
The parade will continue along East State Street and come to an end inside Hillcrest Memorial Park, known for its Avenue of 444 Flags.
Parade participants will include local veterans, the VFW Post 6166 Auxiliary, the Zem Zem Shriners, the Hickory High School marching band, the Hermitage Fire Department, and the city commissioners and treasurer.
After the parade, a ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. near Hillcrest's War on Terror Memorial.
State Rep. Parke Wentling, scheduled to walk in the parade, will also serve as the ceremony's main speaker, Orndorff said.
The ceremony will include a placing of the wreaths, the changing of the colors and a 21-gun salute.
A student will read the poem "In Flanders Fields," and a pair of band students will play Taps.
After the ceremony concludes at Hillcrest Memorial Park, light refreshments for people who attended the ceremony or participated in the parade will be available at the Hickory VFW Post 6166, Orndorff said.
The post will also host a car show organized by Disabled American Veterans from 1 to 4 p.m.
Anyone interested in participating in the parade or car show can contact the post Quartermaster Mike Miller at either 724-981-2273 or 330-423-2097.
Miller can also be reached via email at vfw6166@gmail.com.
Orndorff said he appreciated the community's support for previous parades and ceremonies over the years, and hoped to see similar crowds of families — from aging veterans to young children — come out to observe Memorial Day this year.
"I think most of the veterans really enjoy the satisfaction of seeing people who are still willing to come out and show respect," Orndorff said.
"Many of our veterans are older, but we do have a few young ones now who are able to carry the flag and take on some duties."
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