LIMA, OH (WLIO) - After the parade, veterans and civilians gathered at the VFW Post 1275 for a more formal tribute to the military's fallen.
The wreath-laying ceremony included a tribute from the Allen County Commissioners, a speech by a member of the Indiana National Guard explaining traditions like laying coins at the graves of soldiers to show your relationship to the fallen and the importance of showing appreciation to Gold Star Families, and wrapped up with the playing of Taps. Everyone was welcome to lay a wreath beside the ceremonial casket in honor of a soldier they knew who passed away. While Memorial Day can include fun activities, it's important to take time to think about the real meaning of the holiday.
"This is a weekend that a lot of people say happy Memorial Day. Well, it's not 'happy Memorial Day,' it's Memorial Day," said Bill King of the Allen County Veterans Service Commission, one of the organizers for the parade and wreath laying ceremony. "And we thank God and we thank everybody for their service. It's different than Veterans Day because Veterans Day is for people that are still alive and still serving but Memorial Day is for people that passed away."
Also present at the ceremony were a few Blue Star Mothers, a title given to those whose children are serving or have served, and one Gold Star Mother, who lost her child during their service.
