By: Angel Steiner – Monday May 29th dawned bright and blue outside as we walked to the annual Antwerp Rotary Club’s Pancake & Sausage breakfast at the Antwerp Global Methodist Church. We had a nice time conversing with many Antwerpian residents about what’s been happening with them and their plans for the holiday. After a delicious indulgence of breakfast foods (pancakes are sooooo good & that sausage – YUM!), we stepped back out into the sunshine with our sun hats and shades and made our way towards the Antwerp Veterans Memorial Riverside Park — the location of the Memorial Day ceremony. Veterans of the area were getting set up with the 21 gun saluters at their spot at the edge of CR 424.
The parade then began at the VFW Post 5087 building and made its way down S. Main St. to E River St. led by the Antwerp Police, Firefighters and EMS along with the Antwerp Boy Scouts, local VFW Color Guard, and the Antwerp High School Marching Band.
George Hedrick, as Master of Ceremonies, announced the presenters of memorials to the veterans who sacrificed their lives – the American Legion, VFW and Boy Scouts. After the presentations of memorials, Antwerp Community Church’s Pastor Rick Grimes gave a very compelling speech about the importance of remembering what’s happened in the past especially of those who sacrificed their lives so we could have ours. Memorial Day began in 1868 when General John A. Logan called for a day of remembrance for the entire nation to remember those who fell in the War Between the States. It was called Decoration Day and was set on May 30th. It was later changed to include all soldiers who fell during all US confrontations, and was moved officially to the last Monday of May. The crowd was at full attention as they listened to Pastor Grimes remind us to teach our children and grandchildren about the history of the greatest nation in the world. He also admonished all in attendance to not forget the one who gave the most — Jesus Christ. He died a horrid death for each and every person — not only in ANTWERP OHIO, but across the globe. Without Him, none of what we have would be possible. Jesus made it possible.
What a grand way to commemorate our veterans at the site of the Veterans Memorial in the park.
