To listen to the services:

Click Here

Celina Honors Fallen Service Members During Memorial Day Ceremony

Celina’s Memorial Day ceremony was held at Lake Shore Park, as veterans, families and community members gathered to honor the men and women who died in service to the United States.

The program was led by Karl Hagaman, Commander Elect of Celina VFW Post 5713. Hagaman said the day began early for local veterans organizations, with ceremonies also held in Mendon and at Mercer Memory Gardens before the Celina service.

The Celina High School Band opened the ceremony with the National Anthem and later performed God Bless America.

Pastor Craig Flack offered the invocation, asking those in attendance to remember the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who gave their lives in defense of the country and its freedoms.

The featured speaker was Chris “Bubba” Haynes, Veterans of Foreign Wars National Inspector General and Ohio National Council Member.

Haynes reminded the crowd that Memorial Day is not simply the beginning of summer or a long weekend, but a day of remembrance for those who gave their lives in service to the United States.

Haynes spoke about service members from throughout American history, including those who served at Lexington and Concord, Gettysburg, Normandy, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and other places where Americans carried the burden of defending freedom.

He also recognized Gold Star families and the loved ones left behind, saying their sacrifice and grief are shared by a grateful nation.

The program included the placing of wreaths on behalf of the VFW Post 5713 Auxiliary and American Legion Post 210 Auxiliary. Remarks were also shared honoring the cost of freedom and the sacrifices made by American service members and their families.

Pastor Flack later offered the benediction, reflecting on the responsibility of Americans to live in a way that honors those who gave their lives.

The ceremony concluded with a fire squad salute, the playing of Taps and thanks to the Mercer County Veterans Service Office, Pastor Craig Flack, the Celina High School Band, American Legion Post 210, VFW Post 5713, their members, auxiliaries and all who attended.

A lunch followed at the Celina VFW.