Happy Memorial Day 2019 - Remembering America's Fallen Heros and their sarifices -- We owe them so much.

Today is one of remembering, reflecting, and offering our deepest respect and gratitude to all those who so selflessly sacrificed their lives so that all of us can enjoy the freedoms we have as Americans.  One way we often choose to honor our veterans is to visit a cemetery; perhaps more than one on this day -- a day that is for them. 

Cemeteries are the final resting places for countless special heroes who devoted a portion of their lives, for however long, in service to us in ways that go beyond measure; that have kept us free and safe.  

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So it is that our welled-up tears fall quickly, even before our softly whispered thank-yous, as we kneel down and touch their gravestones praying they hear us.  Some may have been members of our own families, cherished friends, our kindly neighbors, or school chums who were taken from us too young.  We express our appreciation to them; understanding it could never be enough.  

May they all rest in eternal peace with the blessed assurance that we have not forgotten them; not now, not ever.     

Below are views from

Lake View Cemetery

Memorial Day - 2019

And the Memorial Day

Program 

  

 

Sharing the latest reports about Resthaven Memory Gardens in Avon, Lorain County, Ohio

YouTube video from WKYC-TV Channel 3 in Cleveland of the proceedings of the Town Hall meeting that was conducted on May  21, 2019 about the dire situation at Resthaven Memory Gardens in Avon.  

Important Links:

Rescuing Resthaven Cemetery - closed Facebook Group for those who are interested in Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Avon. 

Resthaven Memory Gardens - Facebook Page 

Resthaven Memory Gardens on "Find A Grave"

Channel 19 WOIO news story of March 21, 2019

House Bill 155 - Ohio Veterans Heritage Protection Act

 Also, below is a link to:

"Hearts of stone and steel: Memorial Day monuments serve as a reminder of sacrifice" 

By Geoff Burns of the "Toledo Blade" published on May 25, 2019

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Sharing a link to the second hearing about HB155, the "Ohio Veterans' Heritage Protection Act".  

You can view several proponent testimonies for the passage of this act.  

Organization	Stance
Todd Kleismit	The Ohio History Connection	Download
Linda Jean Limes Ellis		Download
Robert E. Grim	Sons of Veterans Reserve	Download
James Houston	Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War	Download
Dr. R.A. Davis	Society of the War of 1812	Download
Peter J. Hritsko	Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States	Download
Kerry L. Langdon	SONS OF UNION VETERANS OF THE CIVIL WAR	Download
Fredric C. Lynch	SONS OF UNION VETERANS OF THE CIVIL WAR	Download

"Prohibits a war relic that is located on public property or on the property of a cemetery association from being sold or otherwise disposed of by any person, but allows it to be returned to the federal government.Summary

Prohibits a war relic that is located on public property or on the property of a cemetery association from being destroyed, relocated, removed, altered, or otherwise disturbed by any person, except under certain circumstances, or if returned to the federal government.

Exempts the state and a political subdivision from the bill’s prohibitions if it can clearly prove ownership of a war relic by written documentation.

Fines purchasers and sellers of war relics and requires that the fines be paid to the county veterans service commission to be used for specific purposes, with half of the fines to be disbursed to veterans' services organizations in the county.

Authorizes the Ohio History Connection, with the help of local historical societies, to compile and maintain a registry of war relics."