A solemn sea of white crosses filled the center of downtown Oxford’s Centennial Park on Memorial Day as community members gathered with reverence to honor those who selflessly sacrificed all of their tomorrows for our today.
‘I want to emphasize today that freedom is not free. Somewhere, someone has paid for our freedom,? said village Police Chief Mike Neymanowski, who was the guest speaker at this year’s ceremony honoring Oxford’s fallen heroes from the Civil War through Vietnam.
Freedom and ‘the fine men and women of our Armed Forces? who defend it for us everyday was the central theme of Neymanowski’s brief, but eloquent speech.
‘I enjoy coming and going as I please, going to where I want to worship, the right to vote and certainly being up here speaking freely right now,? he said. ‘But I have to say throughout my life, I’ve taken that freedom for granted.?
That’s why Neymanowski was honored to be given this ‘unique opportunity? to ‘not only to honor our (fallen) heroes, but say a special thanks to all the men and women who serve our country and are presently protecting our freedom.?
The chief thanked everyone from his father, Harry, who fought in the Pacific Theater during World War II to his future son-in-law, U.S Marine Cpl. Tristan Vittorelli, who served two tours of duty in Iraq.
‘I want to honor all the men who have served this country. You have my undying respect, gratitude and honor.?
Prior to the chief’s speech, Boy Scouts from Troops 108 and 366 placed dog tags on white crosses, each bearing the name of an Oxford soldier killed in the line of duty.
Flowered wreaths were laid in front of the various monuments honoring those who fought in battles south of the Mason-Dixon Line, in the trenches and on the beaches of France, on both sides of the Korea’s 38th Parallel and in the jungles and deltas of southeast Asia.
Last year, thanks to the Oxford Beautification Commission’s efforts, the war monuments were consolidated into a lovely memorial garden located in the Centennial Park’s southwest corner.
Following the parade from the park up to the township cemetery on the north side of W. Burdick St., more prayers and poems were uttered in remembrance, guns of honor were fired and Taps was played.