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By Jaime Thomas
Residents came out to honor those who have served our country and to enjoy unseasonably warm weather on Veterans Day. Old and young alike enjoyed a parade down Main Street that ended in Veterans Park. Among other groups there were Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, a marching band and veterans marching in the parade.
Following the parade were several speeches honoring those who served and those who planned. Col. Ned Fish, a Granville native, spoke about the importance of those who serve in the armed forces and why his hometown is so special to him. He also thanked the Granville community for being so supportive of local veterans.
Mayor Brian LaRose then spoke to those gathered about the original Veterans Park committee members and the important vision they had for Granville. These veterans planned and created the park decades ago as a public gathering space after the former elementary school was torn down.
A memorial thanking the 11 men was unveiled during the ceremony. Rick Roberts, the village clerk, and Denise Davies, the assistant clerk, were also recognized for their time and effort in getting the memorial made. Written on the plaque alongside the men’s names were words of gratitude.
“Your vision and dedication provided the community with a destination for culture, recreation and enjoyment that has stood the test of time. Dedicated with sincere gratitude and appreciation, this 11th day of Nov. 2012,” it read.
One of these men, Edward Fish, gave the closing speech during the event. After officials finished with the event, the surviving members of the committee, George Macura, Fish, Vernon Race and Robert Vanderminden observed the memorial and posed behind it for photos.
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