LEES CREEK — A bright sun and 93-degree temperatures in Lees Creek on Monday did not stop a large crowd from celebrating Memorial Day at the Lees Creek Cemetery.
The annual Lees Creek Memorial Day Parade formed at the Wayne Township Hall in Lees Creek on Monday and set off at 1:15 p.m. for the nearly half-mile march to the Lees Creek Cemetery where the community conducted its 95th Memorial Day service.
Leading the parade was the community leaders participating in the ceremony, a Color Guard from the Henry Casey Camp No. 92 Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, the East Clinton High School Band, fire engines from Sabina and New Vienna which are the two fire districts that serve Wayne Township and community members anxious to honor the veterans buried in the Lees Creek Cemetery.
Wayne Township Trustee Kevin Bean served as the master of ceremonies for the Memorial Day program at the cemetery. Don Bowles, a Deacon from the Sabina Church of Christ, gave the invocation and benediction. Company C, 20th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Sons of Veterans Reserve which is the military arm of Henry Casey Camp No.92 Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War posted the Colors and fired a musket salute during the ceremony.
Maggie Matthews read the Gettysburg Address; Kevin Bean read the names of all the veterans buried in the Lees Creek cemetery which includes veterans from the American Revolutionary to the present. The East Clinton High School Band played inspiring patriotic musical selections, and the Memorial for the Unknown Soldier was decorated with flowers by Senior Airman Kaeleb Bean a member of the Ohio Air National Guard who has served a tour of duty overseas.
The Memorial Day Address was delivered by Mike Rupp from the Sabina Church of Christ. He gave an inspiring address noting the sacrifices made in the past by those who have defended our country and highlighted our responsibility to honor those who have served in our military forces.
Following the Memorial Day service all those who participated as well as those who attended the ceremony were invited to enjoy refreshments in front of the United Church of Christ in Lees Creek.