Boardman, Canfield scale back Memorial Day services
Even though Ohio is lifting many pandemic restrictions, Memorial Day observances in a couple of Valley communities will be scaled back later this month.
The Kiwanis Club of Boardman and the American Legion Post 177 in Canfield have each announced marching bands will not be part of the services.
Although there will be no parade, the Annual Boardman Memorial Day Service will include an person event on Monday, May 31, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at the Boardman Park Maag Outdoor Amphitheater.
All Veterans and community members are invited.
The featured speaker will be Gold Star father Donald Clark, who will speak about his son Donald V. Clark who died in military service in Mosul, Iraq in 2008. William Wainio will give the invocation. Lt. Colonel 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 Cassidy Bryan will place a wreath in honor of currently serving military personnel. Mr. Mark Luke of the Boardman Kiwanis Club will serve as Master of Ceremonies. The Boardman High School Wind Ensemble conducted by Tom Ruggieri will provide music for the Service.
In the event of rain, the Service will be held in the Boardman Park Lariccia Community Center at 10:00 am.
American Legion Post 177 in Canfield has canceled the traditional services that usually include a gathering at the Gazebo on the Village Green with a guest speaker, and performances by the Canfield High School "Cardinal Pride Marching Band",
Instead, the post will conduct a limited service at the Canfield East Cemetery open to Post members and immediate family members, only.
The following names will be posted on the Wall of Honor this year and these veterans will be formally recognized at the 2022 Memorial Day Services.
- Frank Koczwara, US Army, WWII
- Michael Koczwara, US Army, WWII
- Stanley Koczwara, US Army, WWII
- Thomas Koczwara, US Army, WWII
- George Rockwell, USMC, WWII
Post 177 will record the cemetery services and post to local, relevant social media outlets.
