DELAWARE, Ohio – Veterans were honored with a parade filled with bands, scouts, first responders, antique cars, a queen and of course, military heroes from World War II to the War on Terror in Delaware on Sunday. More events are planned throughout Central Ohio on Monday.
Residents in Delaware watched as cars and floats filled with veterans of all ages passed. Dozens of military men and women walked in the parade carrying American flags and banners for every military branch.
Children and parents with signs saying “Thank You” and “Home of the Free Because of the Brave” lined the streets.
There were seven Grand Marshals including World War II Marine Private First Class (PFC) Lynn Ramey (pictured above). He had enlisted at age seventeen in December 1944. Ramey told The Ohio Star, “I was on guard duty at Pearl Harbor when Japan surrendered. The sailors pointed their 50-calibers in the air and held the triggers down [until the guns were empty].”
Other Grand Marshals included Army Colonel Christopher Acker, Petty Officer 3rd Class Larry Prince, Airman 1st Class Bob Pendleton, 3rd Class Petty Officer Ted Breece from the Coast Guard, Army PFC Charles Bill Grooms and Army Specialist 4 Harold Wolford.
Veterans of the Year for 2019 were also recognized. Roy Terry and William Cackler shared the honor.
The federally-recognized holiday is November 11 because at 11:00AM on the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1919, World War I officially ended.
Activities celebrating veterans occurred throughout the weekend, and more are scheduled for the actual holiday. The Columbus Dispatch provided details.
In Dublin the ceremony will be held at 11:00AM at Sells Middle School, 150 West Bridge Street.
Gahanna will hold their event at 11:00AM as well in Veterans Memorial Park, 73 West Johnstown Road.
Groveport plans to honor veterans at 3:00PM in Veterans Park, 439 Main Street.
A parade is planned for Hilliard. Parade staging will occur at the Franklin County Fairgrounds, Gate 5, off of Northwest Parkway at 5:30PM. The parade will end at the Veterans Memorial in Roger A. Reynolds Municipal Park. A short ceremony will be held.
Powell is planning an 11:00AM ceremony and luncheon. The ceremony will be held at the Greater Powell Veterans Memorial in Village Green Park at 47 Hall Street. Veterans and military personnel and their family and friends are invited to stay for a free lunch in the municipal building’s east room. In the event of bad weather, the ceremony will be in the city council chamber.
Westerville is hosting a veteran’s breakfast from 8:30AM to 10:30AM. The pancakes are free of charge for veterans and $5 for everyone else. The event is at the American Legion Young-Budd Post 171 at 393 East College Avenue. To register visit the senior center at 310 West Main Street or the Westerville Community Center at 350 North Cleveland Avenue.
In addition to Veterans’ Day celebrations, there are many discounted or free activities and meals available. Columbus on the Cheap, the Cleveland Plain Dealer and the Cincinnati Enquirer are just a few of the publications with information about local opportunities celebrating Ohio’s veterans.
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Beth Lear is a reporter at The Ohio Star. Follow Beth on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
