Memorial Day weekend events held in downtown Toledo on Saturday
The annual Memorial Day parade and Civic Center Mall ceremony were on again this year.
TOLEDO, Ohio — While known to many as the unofficial kickoff to summer, Memorial Day is much more, especially to current and former service members. That’s why on Saturday, people gathered at the Civic Center Mall in downtown Toledo to remember those who didn’t make it home — and honor their incredible sacrifice.
“We owe our fallen airmen, soldiers, sailors, marines, coast guardsmen a debt of honor that can never be fully repaid. But, just as we are doing here today, we can try by continuing to honor them, not only as courageous, selfless individuals — but to honor their ideals,” said Col. Michael DiDio, commander of the 180th Fighter Wing, based in Swanton.
During today’s event, performances, a salute to the fallen, and wreath-setting ceremony met the moment this Memorial Day weekend. And with all the freedoms we benefit from today, it’s easy to lose sight of what counts. So, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur challenged attendees to do all they can, in this lifetime, to make the sacrifice for freedom worth it:
“Let us, each of us, ask ourselves the challenge: What in our lifetime is worthy of their sacrifice? And in our own time and generation, what will we do, what will we do to be worthy to be remembered?”
The Civic Center Mall event wasn’t all there was to take part in today, as the annual parade made its way down Summit Street this morning. Bands, organizations, and families were in attendance, right as the festivities kicked off around 10 a.m. While turnout may have been down from previous years, there were still plenty of talented youth happy to partake.
