Pay tribute at Memorial Day ceremonies

For many people, Memorial Day means having an extra day off from work and enjoying leisurely outdoor activities in what could very well be summer-like weather. Popular Memorial Day pursuits often include backyard picnics that bring together extended family and friends, as well visits to beaches and amusement parks.

However, along with having fun, an essential part of any Memorial Day should include honoring military members who died in any war while serving with the United States.

Yes, there is a serious side to Memorial Day which should not be overlooked.

This national observance began in the years following the Civil War.

The event originally was titled Decoration Day, stemming from the practice of placing flowers at the graves of deceased veterans.

In the early 20th century, Memorial Day emerged as the more common name for the occasion.

Back in 1971, Memorial Day became an official federal holiday that is observed annually on the last Monday in May.

If you’re looking for an ideal way to salute American patriots who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice, attend a Memorial Day ceremony in Lake, Geauga or eastern Cuyahoga counties.

Here are some of the 2022 Memorial Day events scheduled for Monday in communities throughout the region:

Lake County

• In Eastlake at 11 a.m., a presentation and ceremony will take place, weather dependent, at the Boulevard of 500 Flags behind Eastlake City Hall, located at 35150 Lakeshore Blvd.

• Fairport Harbor will feature three ceremonies. At 8:30 a.m., Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7754 will be on the pier, northwest of the north end of Water Street.

From 9 to 9:30 a.m., there will be a ceremony in Memorial Park, located on Third Street between Eagle and Plum streets.

This event will acknowledge the Veterans Memorial that has been in place at the park since 1945.

At 9:30 a.m., there will be a bike parade to Zion Lutheran Cemetery, 550 East St. VFW Post 7554 will raise the colors, and the Fairport Harbor High School Band will play the national anthem.

• Madison American Legion Posts 112 and 601 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8548 will have services at all of the community’s cemeteries, followed by a parade.

The parade will form at 10:30 a.m. at South Elementary School and start at about 11 with an airplane flyover. Then, the procession will make its way to Madison Village Park for services, including the laying of the wreaths at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument.

• Mentor will host a parade which will step off at 9:30 a.m. from Heinen’s parking lot located at 8850 Mentor Ave. and head toward the Mentor Cemetery, 6881 Hopkins Road. A ceremony paying tribute to those lost will be held at 10 a.m. in front of the War Memorial at the south end of the cemetery.

• Willoughby Hills will conduct a full memorial ceremony, including the annual gun salute by VFW Post 4358, at 11 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial, 35400 Chardon Road. American flags will be distributed to all attendees, compliments of the VFW post.

In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held in the Community Center.

Cuyahoga County

• In Euclid, graveside services begin at 7:45 a.m. at Euclid Cemetery, and then move to St. Paul Cemetery. The parade begins at 10 a.m. and runs from Lakeshore Boulevard down East 222nd Street to Euclid City Hall. An outdoor service will then be held at City Hall.

• Richmond Heights will be hosting a parade starting at DeSan Park, 479 Trebisky Road, and moving eastbound on Highland Road to the Richmond Heights Community Park, 27285 Highland Road.

The parade will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 10.

Geauga County

• Munson Township will hold a service at 8:30 a.m. at Maple Hill Cemetery, 13480 Auburn Road.

Memorial Day ceremonies are a fitting way to express our gratitude to the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the United States courageously and honorably during wars throughout history.

Here’s hoping that all 2022 Memorial Day programs in our area attract large audiences that are both attentive and appreciative.