By Logan Andrew | FreeWire — Your News, Your Voice.
BUCYRUS, OH — Under a blue May sky, the people of Bucyrus gathered Monday morning to do something increasingly rare in this fast-moving world: they paused to remember.
The 2025 Memorial Day Parade began at Washington Square, making its way down Sandusky Avenue and ending at Oakwood Cemetery, where a solemn ceremony honored those who paid the ultimate price in service to their country.
Led by Parade Marshal David Fellows and supported by assistant marshals representing all veterans and active duty personnel, the procession featured veterans’ groups, students, scouts, and the Bucyrus High and Middle School Bands.
“It’s not just about remembering the dead,” said veteran Ron Wert, who’s attended the parade since 1964. “It’s about reminding the living.”
“It Hits Your Heart” — Oakwood Ceremony
At the cemetery, a hush fell over the crowd as the Memorial Day Ceremony began. David Robertson served as Master of Ceremonies, with Pastor Andrea Taphorn offering both the invocation and benediction. The Gettysburg Address was delivered by Isabella Stang, and the Memorial Day Address came from Pastor Brodie Taphorn, who called on attendees to carry the spirit of remembrance beyond the holiday.
The Bucyrus High School Band performed the National Anthem and served as the military escort, accompanying the Bucyrus Area Honor Guard in a moving “Salute to the Dead.” The playing of Taps by Lainey Palmer, followed by Echo by Cami Myers, brought the moment to a crescendo of reverence and silence.
“It was very emotional,” said first-time attendee Tina Cass. “It makes me think about all the people that are gone and what they’ve done — the sacrifice. We don’t know them all–but we owe them all.”
Cass, who came with friends, said the ceremony made her reflect not only on those lost to war, but also on her late friend Steve Harter, “Harpo,” someone who deeply valued these traditions, and his wife Cindy. They were both very involved in supporting veterans.
“Thinking of Steve — he loved this stuff,” she said. “This was my first visit. I loved it.”
The ceremony also included a Rededication of the Soldiers & Sailors of the Civil War Monument, a reading of General Logan’s Order No. 11 by Charles Miley, and the traditional reading of all local veterans who passed away between May 1, 2024 and April 30, 2025.
Ron Wert: A Veteran’s Memory of a Changing America
For Ron Wert, Memorial Day is more than tradition — it’s a mirror held up to history. Wert has been attending since the early 1960s and remembers when the event drew hundreds.
“Back in ’64, it was huge,” Wert said. “Wall-to-wall people. Army trucks. National Guard. Two full bands. It’s dwindled down to nothing.”
As a Vietnam veteran, Wert’s memories of service are complicated by the treatment he and others received when they came home.
“My dad wanted me to march in uniform. I told him no,” he said. “People were spitting on us. They treated us like dog s—.”
Wert recalled one moment that changed his perspective: watching an episode of Parts Unknown where host Anthony Bourdain interviewed a former Viet Cong soldier who expressed no bitterness toward Americans.
“She said, ‘You were doing your job. I was doing mine,’” he said. “That changed my attitude. I hated them for years. But you start to understand.”
Despite the pain, Wert is heartened by what he sees now.
“Even if people don’t agree with the war, they respect the veterans,” he said. “That’s what matters.”
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A Community That Still Remembers
Though the crowds may not be as thick as they once were, the spirit of Bucyrus hasn’t faded. From the families lining Sandusky Street to the quiet tears shed at Oakwood Cemetery, the message was clear: we have not forgotten.
For every name read aloud, for every flag folded, and for every voice that echoed with gratitude — Bucyrus still stands in remembrance.
And that, perhaps, is the truest measure of Memorial Day.
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