The granite statue features three service members, an airwoman, a sailor and a figure blending details from both the U.S. Army and Marines to represent all infantrymen.

The ceremony featured remarks from AMVETS Trustee Thom Shafer, Financial Officer Eddie Kirkland and Commander Kevin Seguin, and City Councilman Mike Weir, as well as the presentation of commendation from the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Rep. Michael Rulli and the Ohio Senate presented by Ohio Sen. Al Cutrona.

Shafer said that the AMVETS goal when designing the statue was to create something that could serve as a lasting memorial to and reminder of the service and sacrifices made by veterans and service members for their country

Kirkland said that part of the mission of the AMVETS is to serve, support and improve the lives of veterans, and to support other organizations which provide services to veterans. He said that the AMVETS also create a space to build community between local veterans and their families and host many family events and urged the community to visit them at 750 S. Broadway Ave. to meet their members and their families.

From left are City Councilman Mike Weir, Ohio Sen. Al Cutrona, U.S. Rep. Michael Rulli and Columbiana County Commissioner Roy Paparodis. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

Weir discussed the history of Memorial Day, and its meaning as a day of remembrance for all the service men and woman that made the ultimate sacrifice. He reminded attendees that while it can be easy to forget that fact as the years wear on, that it is essential and a duty to remember that fact. He also challenged them to do more than just remember those sacrifices, and to live in a way that honors them.

Rulli reflected on his experience of spending time at Arlington National Cemetery on Friday, and the profound impact of seeing the grave markers there and knowing each one represented a man or woman who willingly answered the call to serve and made the ultimate sacrifice.

Seguin offered the closing remarks Saturday, thanking everyone in attendance, and everyone who contributed to making the memorial statue a reality.

Mayor Cyndi Baronzzi Dickey serves as the master of ceremonies for the Salem AMVETS Post 45 memorial statue dedication. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

Salem AMVETS Post 45 Commander Kevin Seguin. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

Salem AMVETS Post 45 Fiscal Officer Eddie Kirkland. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

City Councilman Mike Weir. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

U.S. Rep. Michael Rulli. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

Ohio Senator Al Cutrona presents an official commendation from the Ohio Senate. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

Salem AMVETS Post 45 Trustee Tom Shafer. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

Fred Schrock offers the invocation. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

(Photo by Morgan Ahart)

(Photo by Morgan Ahart)

(Photo by Morgan Ahart)

(Photo by Morgan Ahart)

(Photo by Morgan Ahart)