Memorial Day parade, ceremony steps off at 10 a.m.

by Melissa Martin

After taking a two-year hiatus as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the city will once again host its annual Memorial Day parade and ceremony, beginning at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 30.

Mayor Jerry Hruby said the event has been a long-standing Brecksville tradition that not only celebrates the first holiday weekend of the summer, but more importantly, honors the brave women and men who have given their lives in the service of the nation and in preservation of its many freedoms.

The parade will begin at 10 a.m., on Monday, May 30, and will progress from city hall to the Highland Drive Cemetery. The parade will feature the Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School Marching Band and the carrying of the city’s 20×38-foot American flag. It takes 30 people to carry the flag and those interested in helping to carry it are asked to contact the city’s department of human services at 440-526-2499.

Residents traditionally follow the end of the parade to the cemetery for the program of remembrance, which immediately follows the parade.

The guest speaker during this year’s program will be Garfield Heights Municipal Court Judge Sergio DiGeronimo, former Brecksville City Prosecutor and Assistant Law Director. Brecksville is in the Garfield Heights Court District. Playing a prominent role in the parade and cemetery service each year are members of Brecksville’s American Legion Excelsior Post 196 and the Women’s Auxiliary unit.

As part of the ceremony, Hruby will honor Brecksville soldiers, sailors and airmen by inviting all veterans, reservists and active-duty personnel to walk in the parade wearing all or a portion of their uniforms. At the Highland Drive Cemetery observance, all veterans and present-day military personnel are asked to step forward and be recognized by those in attendance.

“They are always met with warm applause and appreciation by the audience for their service and dedication to our country,” Hruby said.

Refreshments will be served at the fire station after the cemetery program concludes.

Community groups interested in taking part in this year’s parade and ceremony are asked to contact Kristen Kouri at the mayor’s office at 440-526-4351 to participate. Applications are available on the city’s website, brecksville.oh.us. ∞