HARPERSFIELD TOWNSHIP —
Parades, memorial services and musical tributes will all be a big part of today’s Memorial Day experience.
Hundreds of runners and walkers got a head start on remembering fallen heroes Sunday morning at the Lt. Michael Runyan 5K Run and One Mile Walk.
American flags lined the stands at Spire Institute as runners wiped tears from their eyes as former Edgewood coach Al Runyan read a commencement address read by Michael Runyan at his 2004 graduation from Ashland High School.
Michael Runyan was killed when an improvised explosive device exploded in 2010 while he was serving with the U.S. Army in Iraq.
Al Runyan, Michael’s uncle, read the address detailing the first lieutenant’s love of his country and the sacrifice of life that is sometimes needed to defend freedom.
Michael Runyan’s cousin, Heather Moon, organized the race with proceeds going to the Wounded Warriors Project that helps injured soldiers adjust to their new lives. She said the race was expected to raise $20,000 for the project and a new initiative that will hopefully find wounded veterans training at Spire Institute.
She said the stated goal of Wounded Warriors is “to foster the most successful, well-adjusted group of veterans in American history.”
Moon said a sister race in Germany raised $900 for the project.
Runyan said he really appreciates the race and its impact on wounded veterans. “It is such an amazing tribute to all the service men and women,” he said.
Many area communities will be remembering fallen soldiers today with a variety of programs ranging from an 8:30 a.m. service at Jefferson’s Hickok Cemetery to a 10 a.m. parade in Kelloggsville, a program at Memorial Wall at 10:45 a.m. in Ashtabula and a ceremony at City Cemetery in Conneaut at 11 a.m.
Local News
Related Photos
-
WARREN DILLAWAY / Star Beacon ED HAZEL (left) and Megan Hazel, both of Leroy Township, pay their respects during the playing of the national anthem at the Michael L. Runyan 5K and Mile Walk on Sunday at Spire Institute.
Discussion
Early tribute to a hero
Sunday run in memory of soldier who died in Iraq
- Local News
-
-
Local group proposes charter form of Ashtabula County government
County government could see a big change if a local group is successful in getting a proposed charter form of government on the November ballot.
-
Black bear takes a stroll on Ashtabula street
“Once upon a time, there were three bears ...”
-
Happy ending in Cleveland gives hope to Ashtabula County people seeking missing loved ones
The amazing rescue of three Cleveland women held captive for 10 years is proof one can never stop searching for a missing person, local law enforcement officials said.
-
Kingsville Public Library creative writing class honors Suzanne Byerley at reading
Chuck Becker’s voice was strong and clear as he read the words of his dear friend Suzanne Hartman Byerley.
-
Conneaut’s two museums ready for holiday openings
Conneaut’s two historical museums are ready to reopen this holiday weekend, a sure sign of summer’s arrival.
-
GOTL tourist, author to sign books Saturday
With a hot dog in one hand and a pen in the other, tourist turned author Wendy Koile will sign copies of her historical reference “Geneva-on-the-Lake: A History of Ohio’s First Summer Resort” at Eddie’s Grill on Saturday.
-
GOTL to host monster carnival starting this evening
Geneva Township Park will benefit from a monster of a carnival this weekend, complete with bands, rides and food.
-
Ashtabula County commissioners award local firm bid for Harpersfield booster station project
A local firm was awarded the bid for the Harpersfield Township booster station project, Tuesday.
-
Jefferson hires new leader for schools
The Jefferson Area Local School District completed its search for a superintendent Tuesday, hiring one of its own to lead the district.
-
Ashtabula County gets a new logo
The Ashtabula County Convention and Visitors Bureau has been working for the past year on developing a brand for the county, and Wednesday, that brand was revealed.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Local group proposes charter form of Ashtabula County government
