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There are several occasions throughout the year when we can honor veterans and our military. Sometimes it can get confusing.
Two important holidays in May are Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day.
Armed Forces Day is Saturday, May 15. It honors members of the military on active duty. Memorial Day is Monday, May 31. This is the time we remember those who gave their lives for our country.
So, what’s appropriate? Armed Forces Day isn’t a holiday day off, especially for our armed forces, who are on duty 24/7. There are no special sales in stores – usually, and no civic parades, although many military bases will recognize the day with parades and aircraft flyovers.
Berea will thank our local active-duty troops with a flag ceremony in McKelvey Park. Residents with family members on active duty are invited to place a U.S. Flag in honor of their loved ones. The military member’s name will be attached to the flag pole. If you cannot place the flag yourself, a volunteer with the Veterans Outreach Office will do that for you. The ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. on May 15. To reserve a flag, please contact the Veterans Outreach Office by May 7. Call (440) 973-4567 or email wspringer@cityofberea.org.
May 15 also is Peace Officers Memorial Day, when we honor safety forces who have died in the line of duty. Berea is fortunate that we have never lost a police officer while they were doing their jobs of protecting our community. National Police Week is May 9-15 – a good time to thank our officers for the excellent job they do. The Police Memorial Society has planned a series of events. A grave marker ceremony will be May 15 followed by a memorial service on May 21. The Cleveland International Tattoo featuring dozens of pipe and drum units will be May 22. For more information, go to policememorialsociety.org.
May 31 is the day we honor military who died in battle. Because of COVID restrictions, there will be no parade this year, but the City has planned a Memorial Service at Coe Lake. The service will include the Empty Chair Ceremony that represents all those we have lost or are missing in action. This event is free and open to everyone. No reservations are necessary. But masks should be worn and we will keep socially distant.
While Armed Forces Day is a happy time where we thank our troops in uniform, Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15 and Memorial Day on May 31 are solemn occasions. The American Legion will place flags on graves at the Adams Street Cemetery and Woodvale. And we’ll all say a prayer to remember those who gave their lives to keep the peace here and around the world.