Community pays respects on Memorial Day 2014

Hillsboro VFW Post 9094 Commander Rick Wilkin led a moving and inspirational 2014 Memorial Day service at the Highland County Veterans Memorial Monday, May 26.

Wilkin served as the event's master of ceremonies. He introduced numerous guests, including the Hillsboro High School band, Alberta Duncan, members of various veterans organizations from the VFW, AmVets, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, Highland County Honor Guard and Highland County Veterans Service Commission.

Memorial Day proclamations were presented by Hillsboro Mayor Drew Hastings and Highland County Commissioner Tom Horst.

In addition, patriotic music was provided by the Hillsboro High School band under the direction of Kevin Groh, Alberta Duncan and the Two-Man Band.

Wilkin also introduced this year's keynote speaker, William Seagraves from the Ohio Veterans of Foreign Wars.

"First, I'd like to thank all the firemen and police officers who are attending today," Seagraves told the crowd gathered outside the Highland County Courthouse.

After recognizing local firefighters and law enforcement members, Seagraves asked any World War II veterans in attendance to either stand or wave in order to be thanked for their service.

"Without these World War II veterans, it's hard to tell where we'd all be today," Seagraves said.

Seagraves then asked: "Do most non-veterans really recognize the importance of this day?"

"It is the duty of each veteran to spread the message.

"Too many of us don't remember," he said. "This (attending a Memorial Day service) should be a civic obligation."

Seagraves also spoke of the common bond among all veterans: "Love and loyalty to this country."

"Today, Americans commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The public display of patriotism is essential in remembering our war dead. The tradition will live only if there is a vibrant movement through which the torch can be passed. There's no excuse not to remember."

Seagraves concluded by encouraging the community to reach out and assist the families of local veterans.

Seagraves' message was shared by Wilkin, who also spoke of the local VFW and service organizations' fundraising efforts for veterans and their families. The annual Buddy Poppy sales go toward a relief fund for veterans.

All veterans in attendance were recognized as the HHS band played their respective branch of service's song:

• U.S. Coast Guard, “Semper Paratus;”

• U.S. Air Force, “The Air Force Song;”

• U.S. Navy, “Anchors Aweigh;”

• U.S. Army, “As the Army Goes Rolling Along;” and,

• U.S. Marine Corps, “The Marine Corps Hymn.”

Russ Roever read a solemn presentation on behalf of all American prisoners of war and missing in action (POW-MIA).

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Roever reminded those in attendance "We must insist on a full accounting of our missing."

During a ceremonial folding of the American Flag, Judy McCray (wife of retired U.S. Army Major Mac McCray) explained the 13 folds of the flag.

Following a 21-gun salute by the Highland County Honor Guard and the playing of "Taps," by Alberta Duncan, Wilkin thanked all the volunteers, including Watson's Towing, the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 1161, the Shadowmen motorcycle club and those in attendance for participating in the 2014 Memorial Day services.