I would like to thank everyone who participated in the city of New Franklin’s Memorial Day Parade. The Master of Ceremonies was Mayor Al Bollas. The National Anthem was sung by Mrs. Jordin Shannon, a senior at Manchester High School. Our Grand Marshal was Mr. William Thomas, a veteran of the U.S. Army. The Invocation was given by Andre Clark of Grace Bible Church. Our guest speaker was Ms. Catalin Baker, veteran of the U.S. Army, and is currently the Board Chairman for the Native American Indian Veteran Center in Akron. I would like to thank the American Legion Post #566, Mr. David Dowling, Captain, Mr. John Kamm, Sergeant at Arms; Honor Guard members: Al Lepley, Bob Dunbar, Chris Miller, Kathy Zamesko, Richard Herbert and Eula Thomas for performing the Gun Salute. The Benediction was given by Joel Stroup, Paster, Grace Bible Church.
A special thanks to Chief Davidson, New Franklin Police Officers, and Officer Jeff Hagen. I would like to thank the Parks and Recreation Committee Members: Joe Slayman, Bob Slocum and Larry Rea for their help with parking. Thanks to Chief Surgeon and the New Franklin Fire Department and Road Department for their participation.
Also, I would like to thank city of New Franklin Council-at-Large members: Mr. Kenneth Tallman and Mrs. Judy Jones, Mr. Gerald Hess, Ward Council 2 and Mr. Joe Parsons, Council President and Council-at-Large, for distributing programs at the Remembrance Service.
From Manchester High School, I would like to thank Ms. Marcia White, Mr. Harper, Mr. Michael Whittenberger and the Manchester High School Marching Band, which played both the National Anthem and Taps.
Thanks to Pastor Joel Stroup of Grace Bible Church for the wonderful pancake breakfast, and for the use of their parking lot and sound system. Thank you Mr. Bob Lockhart for the monetary donation awarded to the essay contest winners. And to the members of Cub Scout Pack No. 3318 who replaced more than 100 flags at the Manchester Cemetery, thank you for your contribution.
Special thanks to Ryan Moore for all his artistic help. Jessica Sanders, Alyssa and Sara Smith and Tyler Tokie for passing out the flags prior to the parade start.
Last, but not least, thanks to the community businesses that donated various items for the parade: Portage Lakes IGA, McDonald’s at 5165 Manchester Rd., Falls Flag and Banner Company, Acme No. 14, Giant Eagle of Barberton, Kim Eckert of State Farm Insurance, and Hoffman’s Garden Center.
Again, thanks for making this year’s parade a huge success.
Tami Stefan
Chairperson
New Franklin Memorial Day Parade
