The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Charles Berry honored on 75th anniversary of his death
A hero was honored March 3 in Lorain as a crowd gathered in front of City Hall, 200 W. Erie Ave., to honor Marine Corps Corporal Charles J. Berry who was killed in World War II.
The event took place near the flagpoles on the 75th anniversary of the day Berry, a Clearview High School graduate, gave his life in service to his country during the Battle of Iwo Jima.
Local military veterans, elected officials, community members came together for a reveal of signs that will be put on both sides of the Charles Berry Bridge to honor the hero.
The Third Battalion 25th Marine Regiment of Brook Park was in attendance to present the colors and fire a 21-gun salute.
“I was thinking about a (City) Council meeting that I had last night where citizens were able to express themselves, often times loudly,” said Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley as he addressed the crowd at the event. “I thought to myself, as they were expressing themselves, ‘thank you, Charles Berry’ and thank you to all of the veterans who made it possible for citizens in this country to get up and say what they need to say and do what they need to do as citizens.
“If it wasn’t for Charles Berry and the great men who served our country, we might be speaking German today. We might be speaking Japanese. But, thanks to all of you, and your service, we are a free country.”
Cpl. Charles Berry Day
During his speech, Bradley announced the creation of Corporal Charles Berry Day.
“He was killed in action March 3, 1945, during the Battle of Iwo Jima,” he said. “Corporal Berry gave the ultimate sacrifice by throwing himself on a live Japanese hand grenade to save his comrades.
“Corporal Berry was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor Dec. 7, 1945, for his actions during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Therefore, I, Jack W. Bradley, mayor of the city of Lorain, hereby proclaim March 3, 2020, as Cpl. Charles J. Berry Day.”
Lorain County Commissioner Sharon Sweda then, on behalf of the commissioners, thanked veterans and first responders.
“On behalf of the county ... we want to thank all of the veterans, all of the first responders,” Sweda said. “We know that our safety and our future and our freedom lies in the work that you’ve done and the work you continue to do.”
Sweda then talked about Berry’s courage.
“In regards to Corporal Charles Berry and his courage ... we often hear the word courage,” she said. “We take the word courage for granted.
“Courage to do something small. Courage to be strong. Today is a day to reflect on the courage it takes to enlist in the armed services. The courage it takes to show up and to serve. The courage for somebody like Corporal Charles J. Berry when he saw a live grenade. Then, in a split second, he decided to save others and not himself.”
In attendance at the event was Lorain resident Arthur Goodman, a World War II, U.S. Army veteran.
“I thought it was fabulous,” Goodman said. “They did a really good job and it was very informative.
“The only thing missing was the young people. We need to make sure the guys from my generation are remembered.”
“The courage for somebody like Corporal Charles J. Berry when he saw a live grenade. Then in a split second, he decided to save others and not himself.”
— Sharon Sweda