Members of American Legion Post 738 march in the Fairview Park Memorial Day Parade Monday.

Speakers recall sacrifices of nation’s fallen
By Kevin Kelley and Jeff Gallatin
Westshore
Published May 28, 2008

Area residents remembered the sacrifices of America’s fallen military men and women Monday with solemn observances and parades.

In Fairview Park, a special focus was placed on the sacrifices of women warriors during the ceremony held at City Hall. Army Reservist Spc. Angela Hoefke, a 2005 Lakewood High School graduate who recently returned from a 15-month tour of duty in Iraq as a wheeled mechanic specialist, recounted examples of heroic women who died for America from the Civil War though today’s conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. The nation’s current wars have underscored women’s growing role in the Armed Forces, she said, noting that 103 women have died in those countries.

“Not since World War II has the sacrifice of women in uniform been so great,” she said.

In today’s U.S. military, women make up 14 percent of the enlisted rank and 16 percent of the officer corp.

Mel Maurer, Spc. Angela Hoefke

“The bottom line is America’s daughters, sisters, mothers are in the fight, and as long as we are, the sacrifices will continue,” she said.

At Westlake’s ceremony at Clague Park, local writer Mel Maurer recalled growing up as a small child during the World War II years.

While Americans at home supported the war effort through efforts such as recycling and rationing, the homeland was unscathed and day-to-day life continued, he recalled.

“Throughout the war, our mailman came every day, we played our games, had picnics in the park, had fun at Euclid Beach and went to school, while millions of our country’s courageous people fought and died to ensure we could continue to do those things — giving themselves, and of themselves for us back home,” Maurer said.

America’s servicemen and servicewomen who lost their lives while on duty made those sacrifices so that Americans today might enjoy our freedoms, Maurer said.

“I believe the death of every hero brings with it the promise of a better future — bought with that hero’s life,” he said. “So as we pause to celebrate Memorial Day 2008, we should do so with love and with good times. Enjoy the priceless gifts we have received!”

At ceremonies at North Olmsted Park, Dan Weist, commander-elect of North Olmsted Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7647, urged people to never forget the service of men and women who are in the armed services.

Weist told people that it’s appropriate to remember what the service people past and present do for them by being in the armed services.

John Dailey, city director of  Community Life Services, said the primary meaning of the day can be summed up in two words — thank you.

Dailey also praised the North Olmsted community for the large outpouring of support given to the city, schools and other community organizations which have been sending supplies and gifts to a unit of the famed 82nd Airborne Division while it is serving in Iraq. He said the support and caring for members of Battery B, 3rd Battalion, 319th Field Artillery Regiment, has been strong and unwavering. Members of the unit, in turn, have sent thanks back to the citizens for what they are doing, he said.