Ohio National Guard News
| Ohio National Guard Soldiers, Port Clinton community recognize veterans during ceremony |
Story by Capt. Jason Berndt PORT CLINTON, Ohio—The Catawba Island Club hosted its first Review and Blessing of the Fleet in Port Clinton in a May 24 ceremony as part of the club’s Memorial Day weekend festivities. More than 500 club and community members gathered to honor and remember those who have and are currently serving our country. The ceremony included a prayer, delivered by the Rev. Kurt Burrows of Resurrection Lutheran Church, recognizing those members of the armed forces whose lives were lost. Following the prayer was a festive boat parade where Robert Block, president of the Catawba Island Club Yachtsmen’s Association, and Tom Clark, 2009 Commodore of Catawba Island Club, gently threw a wreath into the waving water symbolizing the lives lost at sea. A cannon was fired concurrently, recognizing all those that have served. After recognizing fallen Servicemembers, all living veterans were honored. Following the recognition of the veterans was the raising of the American flag, where a group of Soldiers stood at the gray water’s edge, hoisting the bright flag against the blank canvas of a threatening sky. During the flag ceremony the Terra Choral Society graced the crowd with a rendition of the National Anthem as a tribute to our country and the citizens who go above and beyond to protect it. Sgt. Kevin Scarpino and other Soldiers from Camp Perry, an Ohio Army National Guard training installation near Port Clinton, volunteered to help raise the flag at the event. Having deployed overseas, Scarpino said its was an honor to commemorate his fellow Soldiers and be involved in the event. Also a volunteer at the event was Staff Sgt. Jacqueline Cover who also said it was an honor to represent the uniform and her country while being able to commemorate brothers and sisters fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. - 30 -
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