Observances focus on Memorial Day’s true meaning

Rick Compton greeted the crowd gathered at Groveport Cemetery on Monday with a hearty “Happy Memorial Day.”

He paused to look out at the people gathered among graves marked with American flags.

“It just doesn’t sound right, does it?” said Compton, the adjutant for the American Legion Robert Dutro Post 486 in Groveport.

But Compton said he’s hearing the expression more and more.

“I’m starting to think that people are forgetting the true meaning and purpose of this holiday,” said Compton, who served four years in the Navy and then 28 in the Ohio Army National Guard. He retired in 2010 at the rank of first sergeant.

It was one of dozens of memorial services and parades held throughout central Ohio over the long weekend to mark the Memorial Day holiday.

“It’s really nice to see people come together, our community,” said Dom Stegall, whose brother Daylen is a drummer with the Groveport Madison High School marching band and participated in Monday’s parade, which culminated with the memorial service at the nearby cemetery.

Speaking to the Groveport crowd, U.S. Rep. Steve Stivers paid special tribute to the veterans of World War II and their family members. Natalie Morgan, 14, of the Groveport Madison High School band’s color guard, stands with her flag wrapped around her to keep it from touching the ground while the group gets ready to participate in the Groveport Memorial Day parade on Monday.