Memorial Day in Hiram!

I was honored 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 the small town atmosphere which I thrive upon. As customary, the parade stepped off from Hayden Street and proceeded up Wakefield Road to Fairview Cemetery. This was the first Memorial Day with the Village’s new Mayor Anne Haynam. The guest speaker was Tim Binner from Mantua. The national anthem was sung by Adrien Hunter. Township Trustees Steve Pancost and Debra Blake were on hand as usual. The roll call of veterans was read by Sam Bixler. Reverend Chris McCreight gave the invocation and benediction. Boy Scout and Cub Scouts were in attendance to lead the pledge of allegiance and read the Gettysburg address. The Crestwood High School Scarlet Guard marched in the parade and played a selection of patriotic songs, a stirring contrast to the normal solitude of the cemetery. The band concluded with a chilling rendition of echo taps played by two buglers. I captured a photo of the distant bugler standing alone amid the gravestones (see second to last photo below) and this will be the lasting memory of the day for me. At the conclusion of the ceremony, members of the public were encouraged to plant flowers at the many graves of veterans throughout the cemetery. I was delighted to see a wonderful mix of families, with everyone from little kids to senior citizens participating in the planting. Old Fairview Cemetery never looked better.

Written and photographed by Dave Dreimiller