BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      Boardman Township’s 117th annual Memorial Day observance was held Mon., May 31 at the Maag Amphitheater in Boardman Park where some 1,100 persons attended the ceremonies.
      Featured speaker was Gold Star Father Donald C. Clark, whose son Chief Warrant Officer Donald V. Clark, died in a helicopter crash on Nov. 15, 2008 while serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
      His 37 years were packed with life,” Mr. Clark said about his son, adding, “When he passed away that night, I realized he belongs to America. He’s not just mine; he’s also your soldier.”
      Serving as Master of Ceremonies was Mark Luke, of the Boardman Kiwanis Club.
      “Today is not a day for travel, vacationing, barbeques, family gatherings, swimming pool openings, picnis, walks in the park, wearing white from now to Labor Day, or even parades and services like this one....unless you choose them to be...because you can choose to spend your day in the manner you wish,” Luke said, adding “because great Americans with qualities like duty, honor, courage, service above self...gave you the freedoms to make your choices.”
      Luke said that throughout the history of the United States, “a special breed of individual has always stepped forward to protect the sovereignty of our nation, and our way of life, many of whom gave the ultimate sacrifice, surrendering their lives to the altar of freedom.
      “To those of you with us who served, or are serving our nation, and to those no longer with us, we, who now live in the greatest country in the world, say thank you.”
      Following Mr. Luke’s remarks, a wreath honoring current military personnel was placed at the Veterans’ Memorial in Boardman Park by Cassidy Bryan, president of the Boardman High School National Honor Society; and a rifle salute honoring all those who served in the armed forces presented by Sons of Confederate Veterans Ron Johnson, Kellie Wright and John Aaron.
      Providing patriotic music for the service were members of the Boardman High School Wind Ensemble, directed by Thomas M. Ruggieri.
      Members of the ensemble included Aeva Richard, Anna Shevock, Miranda Russell, Desi Girardi, Theresa Laverock, Molly DePinto, Ellie Leipply-Caban, Katelynn Kershaw, Tyler Tremayne, Riley McCurdy, Adam Lipka, Ryan Sweder, Zac Khoury, Lainey Beichner, Khloe McDaniel, Noelle Hammar, Emma Vondran, Ayden Dabney, Jason Lagese, Evan Sweder, Nick Ricottilli, Marshal Gollings, Alivia Shablesky, Caden Fleet, Isaiah Grazier, Sonny Testa, Teddy Anzevino, Zach Knickerbocker, Jason Sweder, Caleb Austin, Michael Misel, Max Martin, Nick Vivaqua, Nathan West, Aidan Swavel, Megan Bendel, Aaron Viars, Vivien Smith, Jacob Wolf, Noah Holdridge, Connor Zimmer, James Jama, Andrew Schrembeck, James Solmen, Brayden Norvell, Tommy Doerr, Sal Buonamici, Carlos Gonzalez, Brayden Norvell, Joey Callard, Emily Honthy, Celesta Richard, Logan Ciavarella, Erik Lipinsky, Benji Rolston, Anthony DeMain, John Cagnina and Zoey Fick-Mills.
      The ensemble closed the Memorial Day Ceremonies with Stars and Stripes Forever.
      Leading the Star Spangled Banner was vocalist Miranda Russell, and delivering the invocation was Lauren Johnson. Conducting the flag ceremony were members of Boy Scout Troop 46.
      Special recognition was given to three members of the Boardman community who passed away during the past year, including Clarence ‘Sonny’ Smith, Peter J. Gross and Earl ‘Dig’ Coffin.
     
      PICTURED: photo/John A. Darnell jr.
       SOME 1,110 PERSONS ATTENDED THE 117th annual Boardman Township Memorial Day services held in Boardman Park on Mon., May 31. Pictured, many of those in attendance join in the Pledge of Allegiance.