REMEMBRANCE — As guest speaker for Toronto’s Memorial Day service Monday, Dan Wood of the Jefferson County Veteran Service Commission, reflected on past and present tributes to American’s military veterans. -- Warren Scott

TORONTO — The guest speaker for Toronto’s Memorial Day service Monday reflected on the many ways America’s fallen military veterans have been acknowledged, both at home and abroad, while noting each is a fitting way to honor those who paid the ultimate price in serving their country.

Dan Wilson, a 20-year Air Force veteran and member of the Jefferson County Veteran Service Commission, recalled attending a 50th anniversary celebration of the end of World War II while being assigned to Royal Air Force Mildenhall in Suffolk, England.

Wilson noted that, coincidentally, the event occurred on a date when his fellow Americans back home were observing Memorial Day.

He said he also recalled visiting Cambridge American Cemetery. Located 60 miles north of London, it is the burial site of more than 3,800 U.S. service members and civilian volunteers who died while serving during World War II.

He noted the site includes the Wall of Missing which, standing 500 feet long, bears the names of 5,130 lost during the war.

PAYING TRIBUTE — Members of Toronto American Legion St. Mihiel Post 86 stood ready to deliver a military salute to fallen veterans during a Memorial Day Service held Monday at the city’s Sailors and Soldiers Monument. -- Warren Scott

“Every name has a story. Every name represents a sacrifice,” said Wilson.

Wilson said it is one of many memorials, new and old, to American servicemen and women. He noted they also include the Sailors and Soldiers Monument that stood behind him.

The nation’s first monument to its World War I veterans, it was dedicated in 1919.

Located at the corner of North Third and Market streets, the monument depicts a female figure representing liberty flanked on each side by a soldier and sailor and includes a bronze plaque bearing the names of 300 local veterans of the war, including 11 recipients of the Bronze Star, which was awarded for heroic or meritorious service.

Wilson said a report on the dedication by the Herald-Star at the time stated between 12,000 and 15,000 area residents and visitors attended the event, which included a parade with 3,000 participants, including 250 local veterans.

REMEMBRANCE — As guest speaker for Toronto’s Memorial Day service Monday, Dan Wood of the Jefferson County Veteran Service Commission, reflected on past and present tributes to American’s military veterans. -- Warren Scott

The article stated the city was decorated, “from end to end,” in red, white and blue.

Wilson said last week he attended a wreath-laying ceremony at the Ohio Statehouse presided by Gov. Mike DeWine. The service recognized the state’s Gold Star families, those who have lost an immediate family member while on active duty military service.

Wilson said among its speakers was Ken Soviak of Berlin Heights, father of Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Maxton Soviak, who died from wounds he received while helping people attempting to escape the Taliban in Afghanistan in 2021.

Soviak, who was 22, was one of 12 servicemen and more than 170 Afghans killed by a suicide bomber.

Wilson said all Americans have a responsibility to continue to honor those who lost their lives in service to their country.

“We must never forget their sacrifices and their service to the United States of America,” he told the many attending Monday’s service.

During the service, wreaths were placed at the Sailors and Soldiers Monument by leaders of the post, its women’s auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion chapter; while music was provided by Rich Coburn and the Toronto High School marching band led by Abigail Jansen.

David Rhodes, Post 86 chaplain, served as master of ceremonies, while Mayor John Parker delivered a welcome and members and leaders of Boy Scout Troop 41 and Cub Scout Pack 49 led the Pledge of Allegiance.

The service was followed by the placing of wreaths at Newburg Landing and Toronto Union Cemetery.