Memorial Day in Hiram

For the past several years I have volunteered to photograph the annual Memorial Day observance here in Hiram, Ohio. It’s a way to show respect for veterans while preserving a visual record of the proceedings. The event is rich in small town atmosphere which I thrive upon. A small parade forms in front of the post office and makes its way up Wakefield Road to Fairview Cemetery. There the dignitaries assemble for speeches and a roll call of the veterans buried in the local cemeteries. Sadly, each year the list grows longer. This year the guest speaker was LTC Barnard S. Kemter who was introduced by the Honorable Judge John Eklund. Mr. Kemter is remembered as the veteran whose microphone was unceremoniously shut off when he was delivering an address in Hudson, Ohio back in 2021. Officials claimed it was a technical glitch but it is widely believed that someone did not like the tone of Mr. Kemter’s remarks. He gave that same speech again today and his microphone was not cut off. State Representative Gail Pavlica was also on hand. The Crestwood High School Scarlet Guard marching band was on hand to perform patriotic songs. The day was hot and brilliant, with scarcely a cloud in the sky. As always, a chilling moment for me is the sound of a lone bugle playing taps. The notes drift eerily through the cemetery. A surprisingly small number of people turn out for this event, fewer in number actually than the total number of veterans entered in Fairview Cemetery. But there is a great deal of camaraderie among those that attend. The day always leaves me with a warm remembrance and reflections on my great fortune to live in this community.

Dave Dreimiller