The 119th annual Boardman Memorial Day Parade and Services will be held Monday, May 29, opening with a parade led by the Boardman High School Spartan Marching Band. The parade will begin at Center Intermediate School and head to market St., then turn down Boardman-Poland Rd. to Boardman Park.
      “The parade and memorial service (At the Outdoor Arts Theater in Boardman Park) honor those who have served, are serving, and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice while in military service to our country,” Kiwanian Mark Luke said.
      Organizations that would like to participate in the parade assemble at the Boardman Center Intermediate School at 9:00 a.m.
      Prior to the Parade, and starting at 9:00 a.m. is the Memorial Mile (a running road race) which follows the same route as the parade. Applications available at Chili’s, the D.D. and Velma Davis Family YMCA and Second Sole.
      As special feature of this year’s parade will be Boardman native LTC Christopher Dobozy, who will pilot a Blackhawk helicopter with a flyover of the parade, with plans to land in Boardman Park and participate in the memorial service.
      Keynote speaker this year at Boardman Park will be United States Congressman 6th District Bill Johnson.
      Rep. Johnson is a United States Air Force veteran.
      Lauren Johnson will lead the invocation and LTC Bill Moss, USAF retired, will lead the
      Pledge of Allegiance and place a wreath in honor of deceased veterans. The Boardman High School
      National Honor Society President will also place a wreath in honor of those currently serving military personnel.
      Luke will serve as Master of Ceremonies.
      Music for the service will be provided by The Boardman High School Wind Ensemble conducted by Tom Ruggieri, as well as the Boardman High School Chorus conducted by Linda Smrek.
      In the event of inclement weather, the Memorial Day Service will be held in the Boardman Park Community Center at 10:00 a.m.
      All veterans and community members are welcome to attend the memorial service to recognize, remember and express solemn thankfulness for the historical sacrifices of our military forces to preserve our way of life.