SERVICE RECOGNIZES STUDENTS — The Jefferson County Veterans Association held its annual Memorial Day service Monday at the Memorial Wall at Friendship Park in Smithfield. During the ceremony, the association presented four Catholic Central High School seniors with scholarships for their essays entitled, “What Memorial Day Means to Me.” On hand for the awards ceremony were, from left, Catholic Central Principal Thomas Graham, Natalie Cherepko, Andrew Rohde, JCVA Adjutant Barry Bardone, Jimmy Hernon and Peyton Rouch. -- Contributed

SMITHFIELD — The Jefferson County Veterans Association held its annual Memorial Day program at Friendship Park’s Memorial Wall in Smithfield on Monday morning.

The singing of the national anthem was performed by Catholic Central High School Principal Thomas Graham, after which JCVA Finance Officer Tony Phillippi provided a history of Fort Friendship and its founding members to commemorate the association’s 30th anniversary.

Graham spoke to those in attendance on the history of Memorial Day, and JCVA Adjutant Barry Bardone spoke about Cpl. Fred McGee and his heroic actions in the Korean War on June 16, 1952.

A charter JCVA member, McGee was recently awarded the Medal of Honor, Bardone noted.

Bardone then awarded the association’s scholarships to four Catholic Central seniors, who all read the essays they composed when applying for the scholarship. The theme of the essay was “What Memorial Day Means to Me.”

The first-place finisher was Andrew Rohde, who received a $500 scholarship. The three runners-up were Natalie Cherepko, Jimmy Hernon and Peyton Rouch, who each received $50.

Jefferson County Sheriff Fred Abdalla Jr., transported the four seniors from their high school to the service at Friendship Park in order to recognize their efforts, Bardone said.

A rifle salute and the playing of taps concluded the event.

Members of the JCVA thanked all those who support their efforts in educating the community about the sacrifices and continuous service of the men and women who make up America’s military.

Bardone expressed appreciation on behalf of himself and those in the association, to the following individuals and groups who made the service a memorable one: Abdalla, Jefferson County Commissioners, Graham, Steubenville Laborers Union 809, Wally Jancura and Vince Pastre for providing sound equipment and musical accompaniment, Tim Hortons in Steubenville for the refreshments and to the more than 70 attendees who made time to remember what Memorial Day is all about.