Memorial Day is a time to honor the many sacrifices of military service members who
gave up their lives to fight for the freedoms that make America the country it is today.
It is a time for Americans to reflect and be grateful for the ultimate sacrifice many paid
on behalf of each of us. In Sullivan Township, on May 27, our local service
members were honored.
The Memorial Day Committee made up of Jeff Heath, President; Rusty Klingler, Vice President; Jess Cowhick, Secretary and Brenda Kociuba, Treasurer and many other volunteers spent months planning for this important day.
The day started with a service at the Old Sullivan School (Kno Ho Co School) at
10:30 a.m. with the Presentation of Colors by Lucas-Vaughn, Polk American Legion Post 219. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Pastor Howard Russell gave the invocation.
Brenda Tener presided as Master of Ceremonies accompanied by music provided by the
Sullivan First Congregational Church and Sullivan Church of the Nazarene. The Guest
Speaker was Ben Frayser. Pastor Russell gave the benediction, at which time the
events moved outside to begin the much anticipated parade.
Starting at the old Sullivan School, the parade went up through town led by Parade Marshal Brent Canfield with flags outlining the parade route placed by the Black River FFA and ending up at the Southview Cemetery.
The Black River School Marching Band and many local residents and organizations played music, drove their tractors, trucks, golf carts, lawn mowers, cycles, cars and more and participated in many other ways to pay tribute to our service men and women.
At the cemetery, flags were placed on the gravesites by Homerville Boy Scout Troup 459. Roll call was read by Rusty Klingler followed by “Salute” and “Taps.” Flags were placed on the fence by Sullivan Cub Scout Pack 556.
Passing on the legacy to the next generations with traditions like this, honoring those
who have served to make America the great country it is today, is important. We hope
everyone participated somewhere, somehow to help keep this great tradition alive in
the hearts and minds of all Americans.