From the Desk of Mayor Bill Cervenik

In my twelve years as your Mayor, I have been honored to participate and attend countless events and celebrations.  All that we honor in this community help to define us and make us a great community in which to live and work.   Nothing can be more moving than when we celebrate Memorial Day.  Research tells us that Memorial Day began after the Civil War and eventually grew to become a day to honor those who gave their lives in the military service to this county.  In our City, the celebration of the sacrifices of our soldiers and sailors starts with many volunteers who plan the Memorial Day events.  In addition to our Veterans Groups, I want to acknowledge and thank our City staff who never fail to make our cemetery and parade route sparkle.   

Beginning on Monday morning at the Euclid Cemetery, I was struck by the fact that our cemetery is the final resting place for members of the Armed Services from nearly every conflict in our nation’s history.   Over the years, I have been blessed to be able to talk about their contributions and the sacrifices they made for our freedom.   At St. Paul’s Cemetery, we were joined by Father Bill Jerse.  We remembered the young men and women who are asked on a daily basis to put their lives in danger to protect the freedom and safety of others.  Certainly, God stands within their midst, to give each the strength of duty and hope of a safe return to family and community.

After a stop at Recher Hall, it’s on to the parade.   It is rewarding to be in the company of our Veterans, Community and Civic Groups, Members of the Safety Forces and the many, many residents who spend several hours to honor those who served.  

As I watched from the parade route and the Veterans’ Memorial, it seemed to me that Memorial Day, perhaps more so than any other day on our national calendar, is a day that binds us together and brings forth the values that make this country great, I thank and honor those men and women who have given us their all.