The observance followed the parade, which began at the Church of Christ parking lot at about 10 am. The line of march began with Canton Police Chief Doug Seeley in the police cruiser, followed by the Color Guard from the local service organizations, (VFW Post #714, American Legion Post #303, Deer X-ing Detachment of the Marine Corps League), followed by Cub Scout Pack 3, then two floats conveying veterans, followed by a float from the Hometown Heroes group featuring the names of men from the Canton area who gave their lives in America's wars.
The crowd was enthusiastic and demonstrated their respect for the veterans in the parade. The main streets of Canton were gloriously ornamented with American Flags placed in their holders by the VFW, and the patriotic effect of the parade was heightened by the many new "Hometown Heroes" banners recently installed throughout the community The parade terminated at Memorial Park for the traditional observance from the porch of the Thoren home adjacent to the park.
Memorial Park was meticulously prepared for the occasion, and there were American Flags surrounding the World War I memorial. The veterans, many in uniform, were seated on the green before the memorial, and the Rifle Team and the Color Guard were arrayed around the flag pole, where Old Glory flew at half-staff.
The Marching Warriors were at the tree line west of the tennis court, and there was a very large audience for the observance.
Shawn Callahan, Commander of Veteran of Foreign Wars Post #714 welcomed the audience and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Ike Bowers gave a splendid rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner, and Rev. Duane Taylor gave the Invocation.
Mr. Callahan introduced the Guest Speaker, US Navy Captain (ret.) David Tomlinson, a 1976 graduate of Canton High School.
He enlisted after graduation and retired in 2009 after 33 years service.
Capt. Tomlinson dedicated his address to the late Donald Ayres, a bombardier in the Second World War, who continued his service in the Air Force Reserve and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.
Capt. Tomlinson gave a brief history of Memorial Day, originally suggested as a Day of Remembrance on May 5, 1862. Six years later the first "Decoration Day" was held at Arlington National Cemetery, and General James A. Garfield, later President of the United States, gave a speech that day before an audience of over 5,000. Over 20,000 Union and Confederate graves were decorated that day. Mr. Tomlinson said, "To put that in perspective, Washington DC then was only three times the size of Williamsport today. It is simply amazing that so many turned out for such an event."
He noted, "Memorial Day began by celebrating both sides of this terrible Civil War, in which over half a million were killed from both sides."
He told the audience, "The first use of the term 'Memorial Day' was in 1882…after World War One, this day was extended to remember all Americans who died in all wars. By 1968 Congress changed the celebration from May 30 to the last Monday in May. This began in 1971."
He explained, "the history is nice …maybe even boring to some. So why celebrate, other than a day off? Let me tell you why. Throughout my thirty-three years of service in uniform, I have seen up close and personal that whenever our nation called, there are those who continue to volunteer to serve and go in "Harm's Way" for your freedoms. As a young sailor, married just three years and with a young baby at home, the Beirut Barracks were bombed. [On Oct. 23, 1983, 241 US Marines and Sailors were killed when a suicide truck bomb blew up the Marine barracks at the international airport in Beirut, Lebanon.] What you read [about] in history class, some of us lived [through].
The personal part of this story is that eighteen young Sailors that were killed there I had met. You see…they came through my shop at the Marine Corps Base at Camp Lejeune. And my family can tell you, my last deployment was a result of 9-11, again out of Camp Lejeune. This time, however, it was nearly twenty years later with a daughter in college and a son in high school. For me and my family…it remains personal."
"So how do we properly observe Memorial Day? To begin, the flag of the United States is briskly raised to the top and slowly lowered to half-staff. At noon it is raised back to the top. This is the only holiday done in such a manner. Why? The symbolism is to remember the more than one million men and women who have given their lives in service to our country. The noon raising is a symbol by the living that the dead did not die in vain and we will continue to fight for liberty and justice. Today we remain engaged across the globe - in combat, against terrorism, as peacekeepers in places like Korea and Europe, as humanitarian responders in places like Nepal. We have recently added to the list [of those who died in service] in Nepal with the loss of a Marine Corps helicopter. Sadly, the fact that some will not return continues today."
"Young people ask…why not stay home…? It is because we are and will remain leaders in the world and a beacon of hope for the world. It is part of our national heritage, our DNA."
He quoted words from the Jefferson Memorial: "We mutually pledge our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor." and from the Lincoln Memorial: "shall have a new birth of freedom" and "government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."
He quoted former General and Secretary of State Colin Powell, "…what's important is what the monuments and memorials say to us. They can teach us much about the ideas that unite us in our diversity, the values that sustain us in times of trial, and the dream that inspires generation after generation of ordinary Americans to perform extraordinary acts of service."
Capt. Tomlinson said, "…people of this great nation, people like you rose to the occasion. I have repeatedly seen and personally experienced the best healing of our nation…as our dead returned from the Middle East, a living memorial in my mind was led by our forgotten Vietnam veterans. They quietly led the welcome home. They stood in the gap and made sure our young warriors were properly welcomed. And this was done with no bitterness."
"…if you remember nothing else today, focus on this: There are approximately 1,430,000 active duty personnel. The US population is 319 million. That means less than one-half of one percent are in uniform…over one million have died fighting for our freedom in the Revolutionary War until the Marines who just died in Nepal…a very small number are the shield for your freedom. And consider this: only eight percent of the population since the Revolutionary War has served in uniform."
Capt. Tomlinson reviewed some details of the life of Donald Ayres, and said, "He served in World War II as a squadron bombardier in Italy with the 725th Bomb Squadron, 451st Bomb Group as part of the 15th Army Air Force. Can you imagine what he saw? What he experienced? Think about this: nearly 75% of bomber crews in the 15th Air Force were lost in combat." [Mr. Ayres] was my seventh grade math teacher. He turned me from a failure in math to honors the rest of my high school years. I worked with him as stage manager for three years. He was the most influential teacher in my early life. I missed the opportunity to ever tell him as I only learned of his military service less than two years ago. I always remembered there was something different about him. When I learned why, I understood."
Mr. Tomlinson asked active duty personnel, veterans, their spouses and loved one who have lost someone in uniform to stand, and said, "These are the numbers that are important. these people in your community are important…so enjoy your freedom, thank a veteran and their family, and remember those on all the memorials, as they were people like you with dreams. Do something valuable with your life and make it count where you are and with your family. I hope you look at our memorials differently."
Following Capt. Tomlinson's address, Mr. Bowers was reintroduced, and remarked on "the beautiful hills, neighbors, friends and family, It just doesn't get any better!" He then sang America The Beautiful, and the audience joined in on the final refrain.
American Legion Post #303 conducted the POW-MIA Ceremony, with Leo Seachrist displaying the elements as Mr. Callahan explained their significance. His voice broke with emotion as he described the sacrifice of the Prisoners of War and those Missing In Action who never returned.
The Marching Warriors played a medley of patriotic music, and then Mr. Callahan thanked all veterans who were present.
He asked for a Moment of Silence for those who never returned.
Next members of the band played Taps and Echoes, followed by a prayer by Rev. Taylor.
After the conclusion of the ceremony, the Hometown Heroes group gave away hotdogs at the pavilion near the pool.
Captain Tomlinson provided this list of US Military Deaths
Revolution 4,435
Barbary Wars 35
War of 1812 2,260
Indian Wars 1,000
Mexican War 13,283
Civil War 364,511
Spanish-American 2,446
Philippines 4,200
Mexico 21
World War I 116,516
World War II 405,399
Berlin Airlift 31
Korean War 36,574
Vietnam 58,220
Lebanon 265
Grenada 19
Panama 23
Kurdistan 5
Somalia 43
Haiti 4
Global War on Terror/ Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom 2,355
Afghanistan 2,215
Iraq to 2011 4,491
Remember!!! by Donna Long Moritz
(Dedicated to every soldier who saved our lives by giving theirs. God bless each of you, past, present and future!!)
Once there was a man,
someone's only son,
Another's li'l brother, or sister too,
uncle, father, or very best friend.
Who went to war, not of choice,
but they'd gotten the call,
to support America and
make our freedom true
In places overseas or here
at home to guard against
tyranny and strife,
And maybe gave his/her life.
Someone's wife, waiting by
the phone or not wanting
to answer the door,
like she wasn't home.
Not wanting to know,
the life that we lost
may have been hers/his.
Deeply sighing or in the
shade just crying, for the one
who would not return home.
The county placed a statue in
the town to remember every
one, and to honor them and
love them even though they
were gone.
They sing battle hymns
to help soothe the pain,
and give out poppies.
Our country has lost so many,
wish it'd never been any.
Why can't war just go away,
and save a soldier's life today.
You see a soldier on your way,
make sure you thank them
all this way;
Raise your hand and salute,
for this person saved your life…
and didn't know you.
Shake their hands, when they
enter here a warm, heartfelt
welcome with a big cheer.
For I know of those so long lost
and that each paid
the ultimate cost.
Go Army, Go Navy, Go Air Force,
Go Marines, of this USA!!!
In my opinion you are all #1.
God Bless you and keep you safe
until all boots are
on home ground!