On Saturday morning, beneath a mostly clear sky, a small crowd of people gathered to honor local veterans during the annual Veteran’s Memorial service at the park in Ravenna.
Claude Jones, one of a dwindling number of living World War II veterans, was pinned with several medals, including the Good Conduct medal, the American Campaign medal, the European-African Middle-eastern Campaign medal with four bronze stars, the World War II Victory medal and the Honorable Service lapel button.
Louis Officer, emcee of the service, said, “It’s not every day you get to meet a live hero.”
Former mayor of Ravenna and councilwoman-elect Beverly Thompson spoke to those gathered at the memorial.
“I remember when World War II started,” she said. “My daddy said warmongers are never satisfied.”
Thompson’s 17-year old brother was one of those who signed up to go. She reminded that those who went to war and came back alive were no longer the carefree young men and women they once were.
“What can we do?” she asked in regards to the 200,000 homeless veterans in the country today, noting that many of them live under bridges and ride the rails, looking for work.
“Never miss a chance to serve our veterans,” Thompson urged, “to bring them hope and encouragement.”
Officer then read a list of veterans who passed away during the previous year as Bud Freeman tolled a bell for each of them.
The American Legion Honor Guard raised a 21- gun salute, and Elzie McIntosh played Taps while the flag waved in the breeze.