Post 24 - Blessing of a UAV Monument at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, Ohio.
On October 8, 2005, a dream was realized …
After many months of planning and hard work, a monument was placed at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, Ohio, by the Ukrainian American Veterans Post No. 24 of Cleveland, Ohio, to honor all those who have served in the United States Armed Forces and especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
It was a cloudy and rainy day. The ceremony began at 11:00 a.m. on October 8, 2005. In attendance were approximately 100 people who braved the rain.
Everyone gathered at the entrance to the Walkway of Remembrance. Present at the event was UAV OH Post 24 members, representatives of UAV Michigan Post 101, UAV OH Post 28, Ohio State Commander Dorothy Budacki, Polish League of American Veterans Post 58 of Cleveland, Ohio, The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 15 of Cleveland, Ohio, with their rifle squad and bugler, representatives from UPA and CYM were present with their flags and other guest.
Everyone fell into formation to march down the Walkway of Remembrance to where the monument was located. The Monument was revealed and Rev. John Nakonachny, Pastor of St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Parma, Ohio, blessed the monument and honored the assembled with a few words. UAV Post 24 Commander Bohdan Samokyszyn spoke a few words of welcome and thanked the assembled from the bottom of his heart for coming out in the rainy weather.
Post 24 Commander then turn the monument over to the care of the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery represented by Mr. Bean. After Mr. Bean’s words of acceptance, the rifle squad fired a salute, followed by Taps played on a bugle. The rifle squad leader presented Post 24’s Commander with three spent shells in commemoration of the event.
Everyone was invited to attend a luncheon at the American Legion Post 170 Hall in Wadsworth, Ohio.
At the luncheon, Father John said Grace, and Ukrainian American Veterans Michigan Post 101 Commander Colonel Oleh Cieply gave a short speech.
Stephen T. Inchak, staff member representing Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich presented Post 24 Commander with the Congressional Record.
A good time was had by all.
Written by
Michael Demchuk
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UAV Post 24 Commander Bohdan Samokyszyn receives the Polish Legion of American Veterans with the ‘2005 Veterans of the Year’ award.