The James A. Garfield High School Marching Band, led the village’s annual Memorial Day parade and played a central role in honoring the community’s fallen service members on Monday.
The day began at 9 a.m. with a service at the Veterans Memorial on Maple Avenue. Following the ceremony, the Marching Pride stepped off at the front of the parade, leading Community EMS, VFW Post 5067, the Garrettsville-Freedom-Nelson Fire Department, Cub Scout Troop 4062 and Boy Scout Troop 4065 through the village and toward Park Cemetery for the main observance.
At the cemetery, the band performed the national anthem to open the service and later concluded the ceremony with a performance of “Taps” following the traditional rifle salute by VFW Post 5067.
Mayor Rick Patrick welcomed the crowd, emphasizing that the day was not for celebration but for remembrance. “We are not here to celebrate Memorial Day,” Patrick said. “We are here to remember… our veterans and their sacrifices, and remember our servicemen that didn’t make it home.”
Pastor David Gray, who offered both the opening and closing prayers, spoke about “the gift of memory,” saying, “I thank you, Lord, that we have something to remember… that there are those who care so much for us and for this nation that they would give all that they had.”
Iva Walker reminded those gathered that, “The persons we honor here today are the reasons that we are able to be here today,” and quoted a line from the Zac Brown Band: “So look at the ones who died, the ones who gave their lives, so we don’t have to sacrifice all the things we love.”
Dr. Michael Carlson asked the audience to turn and face the cemetery as he spoke about reflection and sacrifice. “You stand here on this hallowed ground of memory to honor the fallen,” he said. “Their absence reflects the void that time can never fill.”
Wreaths were presented by several community groups, including the Garrettsville-Hiram Rotary, Masonic Lodge 246, and scout troops. As the wreaths were placed, the Marching Pride stood in silence, bearing witness to the names and stories honored that day.
The final speaker, veteran John Kable, spoke directly to the younger members of the audience. Reflecting on his own childhood, he said, “As you become older… the most important thing that you can do is to thank and remember all of them that bought and paid for the things you enjoy.”
From beginning to end, the Marching Pride helped guide the community through a meaningful day of remembrance—punctuating each moment with music and presence.