Salem’s Memorial Day observances began at city hall with a wreath laying ceremony prior to the annual parade. The wreath was laid by Mayor Cyndi Baronzzi Dickey. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

The Honorary Parade Marshall for this year was the late William Callahan, represented by his surviving family members William and Norma. Brannon said that about three months ago he and Carolyn Caldwell learned about a little-known cemetery in Green Township that was the final resting place for three brothers who fought in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, including William. William served in the first company, second brigade, fourth division of the Ohio Militia during the Revolutionary War and served in Captain Joseph Zimmerman’s company in the war of 1812 from Aug. 25 through Nov. 30. Shown is Salem AMVETS Post 45 Honor Guard Member Caryal Emelo, left, assisting Callahan in raising the flag. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

The Salem AMVETS Post 45 Honor Guard conducts a rifle salute. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

(Photo by Morgan Ahart)

(Photo by Morgan Ahart)

(Photo by Morgan Ahart)

Doug Brannon served as President of the Day for Monday’s services, leading the pledge of allegiance and reminding the attendees of the memorial service that Memorial Day is about those service men and women who never returned home from their service. Brannon challenged attendees to pause and reflect on the sacrifices of those courageous men and women, and to thank them as they spent the day with their loved ones. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

Speaker of the Day Shannon Stanley reminded attendees that they had all gathered “not in celebration but remembrance” of the men and women that made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, of the fact that freedom is never free. She challenged them not just to remember and thank those men and women for their sacrifices, but to live their lives in a way which honors them, by serving their communities, lifting one another up, and “ensuring that the ideals they fought for continue to endure.” (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

Delayna Gray reads the “Gettysburg Address.” (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

Josiah Strawn reads “In Flanders Field.” (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

Katherine Zuaritch reads “Response to In Flanders Field.” (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

Mayor Cyndi Baronzzi Dickey, center, presents a memorial wreath at a mock grave flanked by the commanders of several area veterans’ organizations. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

(Photo by Morgan Ahart)

(Photo by Morgan Ahart)

(Photo by Morgan Ahart)

(Photo by Morgan Ahart)

(Photo by Morgan Ahart)

(Photo by Morgan Ahart)

Salem’s Memorial Day observances began at city hall with a wreath laying ceremony prior to the annual parade. The wreath was laid by Mayor Cyndi Baronzzi Dickey. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)