Elizabeth Stout, a fourth grade student at Willowville Elementary, sings the national anthem during the 38th annual Willowville Memorial Day Parade on May 22.
By Megan Alley
and Kelly Doran
Sun staff

Clermont County honored veterans with Memorial Day events all over the county during the weekend, including events at Willowville Elementary School and in New Richmond.

The 38th annual Willowville Memorial Day Parade at Willowville Elementary School occurred on May 22 with sunny weather and a lot of emotion.

“I was really touched,” said Marshall Mustain of Union Township. His neighbors, whose children attend Willowville, invited him.

Mustain really enjoyed the event, and said it was more emotional than he expected.

“This is such a beautiful event,” Mustain said.

The event included a parade, songs, including Representative Doug Green singing the Armed Forces Salute, poetry, the ringing of the Memorial Bell and more.

Students thanked the veterans in attendance and members of the Cub Scout Troop #464 took a microphone to each veteran so the veteran could introduce him or herself. Many veterans made remarks about how much the parade means to them.

Honored guests included Superintendent Keith Kline, Treasurer Alana Cropper, Director of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services Timothy Gorrell, Representative Brad Wenstrup, Representatives John Becker and Green, Commissioner Bob Proud and many more.

Wenstrup, who is in the Army Reserve, was really touched seeing all the generations of veterans and then the students all honoring those who could not be there.

“In a world that’s going crazy right this was such a positive,” Wenstrup said.

The event gets stronger every year, said Proud, and he appreciates that the school and the students continue to honor the veterans.

“Every veteran out there will, again, as Congressman said, will tell you that when they see these young people here, that this is why they were fighting is for the future,” Proud said.

In addition, participating in an event like this teaches students that freedom is not free, Proud said.

“I think everything worked out perfect today,” Principal Michelle Kennedy said.

Kennedy is glad the school can take that time to honor veterans, she said.

Each year Kennedy tries to add a new feature, she said. This year, she worked with Hal Shevers, the CEO and founder of Sporty’s Academy, to arrange a fly over during the parade.

Members of the New Richmond Veterans of Foreign War Post 10818 performed Memorial Day ceremonial duties on May 27, including a gun salute and the playing of Taps.
The Village of New Richmond honored veterans with a Memorial Day ceremony at the Veterans Memorial on Susanna Street, overlooking the Ohio River.

“On this day, we remember those who fought for our freedom,” said Mayor Ramona Carr. “We remember those who gave their lives and those who still fight today.

The New Richmond Veterans of Foreign War Post 10818 performed ceremonial duties, including a gun salute and the playing of Taps.

“Thank you for coming out,” said Richard Mahan, who acted as Master of Ceremonies for the event, to the assembled crowd. “Be sure to thank a veteran if you see one.”

Mahan has been a member of the VFW since 1995. He served in Desert Storm with the 101st Airborne of the US Army.

Mahan said that the VFW Post 10818 had come to the Veterans Memorial directly from performing similar salutes at 20 different cemeteries throughout the area, as they do every year.

“I think about all the sacrifices that people gave for us to be here,” said Mahan. “To read grave stones, we fire over Revolutionary War soldiers, so it’s quite incredible.”

Sherry Light of New Richmond is an auxiliary member of the VFW. She attended the event to support local veterans.

“My family has veterans. My husband’s best friend is a veteran,” said Light. “Hearing the stories and life experiences of the veterans is a special part of Memorial Day. I don’t think they get to tell it enough.”