Medina commemorates Memorial Day ahead of America's 250th birthday

MEDINA — The Medina community came together to remember fallen service members at a patriotic Memorial Day ceremony on Monday. This year's event started off with the laying of wreaths in front of the Medina County Courthouse. A parade featuring organizations for veterans and community members then traveled around the square before going to Spring Grove Cemetery, where a ceremony was held. This year's guest speaker was Troy Giles, who was born and raised in Medina and now lives in Georgia. Giles joined the Army at 17 years old and spent one tour in Iraq and two tours in Afghanistan. He completed a 20-year career in the Army military police, where he recently retired as a master sergeant. "Please think of our military sacrifices and do not take our freedoms for granted," he said. "For all of those struggling, I ask you to reach out to friends, family and peers. You are loved, you are cared for and the world is a better place with you here." In his speech, Giles honored the people in his life who paid the ultimate sacrifice. "Every veteran here has stories similar to this of those who sacrificed their lives for our great country, whether they died in combat from hostile fire, at their bases during training and preparation for war, supporting our allies in humanitarian aid missions or at their homes succumbing to the demons they live with each day," he said. "They may be gone, but they will never be forgotten." The ceremony concluded with a rifle volley and the sounding of taps. "This sacred ceremony was and is conducted at every hero's funeral," Giles said. "I ask that each time you hear this, you silently offer reverence to those who have given this sacrifice, thank them for their service and pray for their families and for future peace in the world." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.