Newark commemorates fallen heroes

NEWARK – Every year since 1868, citizens of Newark have gathered to commemorate the memories of those fallen in combat.

In Monday's ceremony, Col. John Dernberger of the Ohio Army National Guard, spoke through tears about his family's dedication to honoring fallen soldiers every Memorial Day. Dernberger grew up in Hebron and as he described standing up with his father, a World War II veteran, to salute the flag during parades, his voice broke.

"These are not tears of sadness," he told the crowd of about 100 people gathered in Cedar Hill Cemetery. "These are tears of respect."

Dernberger was the keynote speaker for Monday's ceremony, which followed a parade from Everett Park that stepped off just before 10:30 a.m.

His main message to the crowd was a plea to preserve the legacy of Memorial Day, to never forget those that have fallen, and always honor and thank those they left behind.

"Your sacrifice is beyond most of our comprehension," Dernberger said of the Gold Star Mother and all of the family members of loved ones who never returned home.

Those sentiments were echoed in other speeches on Monday. Licking County Commissioner Duane Flowers called the crowd to dedicate the day to the wives, mothers, children and families soldiers left behind.

"We are very blessed to be living in this country," Flowers said.

Mayor Jeff Hall agreed and began the ceremony with, "At the unofficial beginning of summer, we must never forget what Memorial Day really means."

Monday's parade was led by the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps from Newark. Following behind were the Newark High School Marching Band, members of the Licking County Veterans' Service Commission, boy scout troupes, and the Knights of Columbus among other local groups.

The Newark High School Marching Band played the Military Medley before the laying of the wreaths on the Unknown Tomb near the back of Cedar Hill Cemetery during the ceremony. Anita Laughery gave both the invocation and the benediction Monday and Boy Scout troops folded American flags.

"The highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them," Dave Walze, organizer of the parade, said. "Live in gratitude each and every day for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice."

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