Latest news with #MemorialDayCeremony
Indianapolis Star
08-07-2025
- Business
- Indianapolis Star
Carmel spent $1.2M to support Christkindlmarkt, JazzFest, other events in 2024
The City of Carmel spent over $1 million supporting events run by partner organizations last year. The figures, in terms of in-kind support from Carmel's streets, fire or police departments, were released at an Affiliate Review Committee meeting on July 2. The committee, created by a city council ordinance last year and tasked with reviewing finances and operations of the city's nonprofit affiliates, is wrapping up its work. City councilor and chair of the committee Ryan Locke has been tasked with compiling recommendations that may be implemented by the mayor's office or via ordinances and resolutions voted on by city councilors. 'We got into this because a few things were set up that started to get a little wild and were used for purposes that were outside of their scope,' Locke said. 'There wasn't transparency and there wasn't an understanding of what needed to happen.' During what might have been the committee's final meeting last week, Samantha Karn, corporation counsel for the city, emphasized the need for a consistent process in determining which events are supported by the city and how much support is lent. Over several meetings, the Affiliate Review Committee drilled into the finances of the Carmel Christkindlmarkt. The market received the bulk of in-kind support from the city last year when compared to other events. Previous coverage: Carmel Christkindlmarkt CEO 'excluded from key decisions,' resignation letter says The committee also previously dug into Promote Carmel, which was a nonprofit corporation financially propped up by the city, best known for supporting the now defunct All Things Carmel store on Main Street. At a March meeting, the committee learned some of those dollars from Promote Carmel were being used to pay for expenses unrelated to the store, such as alcohol and food, including at the former mayor's Christmas dinner. 'We do need to put processes in place in determining who receives support, whether in-kind or monetary, as well as how much support they receive,' Karn said. It's not yet clear yet what the city's new process will be for reviewing which events receive support or when all of the recommendations from the Affiliate Review Committee will be finalized and released. The following graphic shows how much Carmel spent supporting events run by partner organizations last year. The numbers do not include city-run events, such as the Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony and the Memorial Day Ceremony. The support from the city for these events was in-kind. The costs include set-up or tear-down operations from the city's streets department or public safety coverage from the city's police and fire departments.
American Military News
02-06-2025
- General
- American Military News
Staten Island students honor fallen heroes from their own schools at powerful ceremony
As a way to remember and honor the brave men and women who died while serving in the United States military, Staten Island high school students gathered on Thursday for a special Memorial Day Tribute ceremony. At least 12 high schools gathered at the Michael J. Petrides Education Complex in Sunnyside for the District 31 High School Memorial Day Ceremony. It was coordinated by JoAnne Nolemi, the District 31 military liaison and founder/president of the Island of Heroes Project, and John Cucuzza, a teacher at Petrides. Petrides Principal Anthony Tabbitas said the event brings together schools across District 31 united 'not just as educators and students, but as Americans who pause to remember and reflect.' 'Memorial Day is a time that we honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice is the reason that we're able to speak freely, gather together, open and learn in peace,' he added. It kicked off with a parade, with younger Petrides students waving American flags and chanting 'USA' as veterans, school staff, Gold Star families and high school students walked to the school's track and field, which contains the Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis monument. Dozens of signs with the names of military members from Staten Island who were killed in action, called the 'Staten Island Fallen Heroes' installation, were placed into the grass. Members of Rolling Thunder Chapter NY 2 raised the American and POW/MIA flags before the presentation of colors and the Pledge of Allegiance. Afrika Gbaguidi and Kamora Mitchell, students at Petrides, sang The Star-Spangled Banner. Each Staten Island school gave a brief presentation of a fallen hero, which was a servicemember who attended their own high school. Petrides Principal Anthony Tabbitas called the event more than a moment of remembrance, but an opportunity for educators to teach and learn. 'It is a living lesson in gratitude, courage and unity as we listen to the students across the borough, the speeches and the tributes,' said Tabbitas. 'Let us remember all of the brave and honored who devoted themselves to something greater than themselves. To our veterans and military families, thank you…To our students, may the ceremony inspire you to be thoughtful citizens, to carry forward the legacy of those we honor, and to always remember that true greatness often begins with service.' James Hendon, commissioner of the city Department of Veterans' Services, served as the keynote speaker, reminding students to talk about veterans and soldiers and educate others about their sacrifice. 'You don't have to be a veteran to do that — anyone and everyone can. I keep telling people, I always say, we die twice — we die once when the breath leaves our body and our heart stops beating. We die the second time when people don't say our name. So please do what you can to join with folks you saw organizing these things and be that next generation of organizers to make sure we always remember and love. We all have our role,' said Hendon. Students were also commended for their work by Louis Bruschi, principal lead for strategic partnership and family and community engagement for District 31, who explained that these tributes and presentations were not the average school assignment. Students prepared their work for the community, for Gold Star families, for active service military, veterans and for themselves to learn about Staten Island heroes. 'Because of this work, each student here today can now have the names of these heroes imprinted on their hearts. Heroes from decades and centuries past, our collective past, whose lives were cut short, and whose memories, service and sacrifice now live in their hearts. This is the greatest lesson one can learn, and the greatest tribute to our fallen heroes.' said Bruschi. The ceremony closed with musical tributes from the Michael J. Petrides high school chorus and a solemn laying of wreaths. Each participant of the tribute then left a flag at the 'Staten Island Fallen Heroes' installation. Hosted by the Michael J. Petrides School, other schools who participated included Bridge Preparatory Charter School, Sunnyside; Curtis High School, St. George; Eagle Academy for Young Men of Staten Island, Stapleton; Gaynor McCown Expeditionary Learning School, New Springville; The Hungerford School, Sunnyside; New Dorp High School, New Dorp; Port Richmond High School, Port Richmond; Ralph R. McKee Career and Technical High School, St. George; Staten Island Technical High School, New Dorp; Susan E. Wagner High School, Sea View; and Tottenville High School, Huguenot. ___ © 2025 Staten Island Advance Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
WWII soldier returned home 80 years later; public services soon
Previous coverage of scouts planting Memorial Day Ceremony flags. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) – A soldier who has been listed as Missing in Action for over 80 years will finally be laid to rest here in Dayton soon. WWII U.S. Army Pvt. James G. Loterbaugh, from Hocking (Athens), was M.I.A. since Dec. 1944. According to the VFW Department of Ohio, Loterbaugh's remains have been recovered, identified and returned to his family. A motorcade escort took him from Dayton International Airport to Routsong Funeral Home. 'Welcome home, Pvt. Loterbaugh. God bless,' wrote the VFW Department of Ohio. In the war, Loterbaugh served in Company C, the 774th Tank Battalion. In Dec. 1944, he was a crewmate on a M4 Sherman tank. On Dec. 11 his platoon became separated from the rest of the company during a battle in the Hürtgen Forest (Strass, Germany). By noon, the entire platoon was reported as Missing in Action. The Germans did not report Loterbaugh as a P.O.W. The following year, the War Department issued a presumptive finding of death. Loterbaugh was identified by DPAA from DNA and anthropological analysis. He was accounted for on Sept. 20, 2024. His name on the Walls of the Missing at the Netherlands American Cemetery will now have a rosette to show he has been found. His public services will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, June 2, at Routsong Funeral Home. (2100 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering.) A private, family-only service will be held on June 3. Loterbaugh will receive full military rites and burial at Dayton National Cemetery. To read Private James G. Loterbaugh's obituary, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Chicago Tribune
28-05-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Waukegan first responders looking to comfort dogs for support; ‘It will help give them a lift when they need it'
Emotional care for both first responders and the people who need their assistance is becoming more and more important and Macki, the Waukegan Fire Department's comfort dog, provides it for both firefighters after a challenging day and victims who need their help. Officially joining the department on April 23, Beth Moss, a battalion chief with the fire department who is Macki's handler, said she will take the dog to community events like ribbon-cuttings and parades to let people know about the dog's role. 'A young girl was lining up sticks for her,' Moss said. 'Macki waited for a moment and let the girl know she was playing with him. It's a way to interact with the public in a positive way, not on a bad day for them.' Fire Chief Gregg Paiser said firefighters and emergency medical technicians go on calls, which can be emotionally draining. When they return, Macki will be there, should they need a companion to help them relieve their stress. 'It's an important emotional support for the department,' Paiser said. 'It will help give them a lift when they need it. The dog makes it easier for them, and is there on a daily basis.' Macki and Moss engaged with adults, children, and their families along the route of the Memorial Day Parade on Monday, waiting for the participants to approach. Along the route before the parade, Macki engaged with the Kemp family from Waukegan. While a young daughter eagerly petted the dog, her younger brother got close and then backed away. Emmalee Kemp watched as her children interacted. She said she liked what she saw. 'We like going to community events,' Kemp said. 'It gives us a chance to do things in the community as a family.' Moss waited with Macki on the sidewalk near Veterans Memorial Place while the Memorial Day Ceremony was ongoing. As people left after the event ended, Macki drew their attention as some of the onlookers engaged, including Mayor Sam Cunningham. Cunningham said the use of comfort dogs and other mental health techniques is becoming more and more important. They can be useful in the Public Works Department and other areas of city operations, as well as fire and police. 'It allows people to relax their mental state and communicate better,' Cunningham said. 'It will help them to handle the situation. It will help them through difficult situations. The old days of (ignoring this) are gone.' Now 2 years old, Macki began training as a comfort dog with Canines 4 Comfort when she was six months old. Moss said she went through some of the training with her as she prepped to be her handler. There is updated training every few months. As her handler, Macki lives with Moss. She brings her to work with her each day, making the dog available should a need arise. Since the fire department operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Paiser said if a firefighter or victim needs help, Moss and Macki are on their way. 'She comes on all of my calls with me,' Moss said. 'She'll come into the emergency room (at the hospital) to comfort a victim. I'll take her to schools so the kids can see her in a positive situation.' The Waukegan Police Department also plans to bring a comfort dog on board. Deputy Chief Mike Mandro said police officials are on the waiting list with Canines 4 Comfort. No date is set for the dog's arrival. Meanwhile, Paiser said Macki is available to help. Mandro said he foresees a variety of situations for a comfort dog. The dog will help with community outreach, helping officers after a challenging call, as well as crime victims. The Community Policing Unit can take the dog to community events. In the Community Assistance Group, where police officers and social workers join forces, the dog will be helpful, too.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Bluefield Memorial Day Ceremony honors those who have been lost
BLUEFIELD, WV (WVNS) – The City of Bluefield hosted its annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday to honor those who paid the ultimate cost for our freedom. Light rainfall and cooler temperatures were not enough to keep the citizens of Bluefield from showing up to pay tribute to those who lost their lives while fulfilling their duty to their country. This year's ceremony featured several veterans who addressed those in attendance, as well as a powerful, patriotic musical performance from Mercer County Commission President, Bill Archer. Members of the Mercer County Veterans Honor Guard were on hand for the proceedings, reminding folks to look past holiday celebrations and commercial campaigns to recognize the true reason we observe Memorial Day each and every year.'I hear a lot about picnics and sales and things like that. If you start off the day right, for the main purpose of Memorial Day, and that's to take a moment to remember the people that gave it all in combat,' said retired U.S. Army Sgt. Paul Dorsey. 'They're the ones that didn't come home.''We're only one generation away from losing our freedom,' said Mercer County Veterans Honor Guard Chaplain, Tom Helton, paraphrasing President Ronald Reagan. 'We're trying to carry on that legacy and perpetuate that legacy for generations to come.'Nearly 600 American flags were placed throughout the field at Chicory Square to honor the 585 Mercer County veterans who lost their lives in the line of duty since 1835. One noticeably larger flag representing what Sgt. Dorsey called the unknowns – those who were not identified at the time of their passing. The willingness of local residents to brave the less-than-ideal weather conditions to pay tribute to these brave men and women speaks to the patriotism of the community, according to U.S. Army veteran and Bluefield City Manager, Cecil Marson. 'I think it's very symbolic of Bluefield and our citizens here in West Virginia, how much they care about this country and care about our veterans,' said Marson. 'It's just another great example of why this is the best place in the world to live.' The Mercer County Veterans Honor Guard is currently recruiting and encourages anyone interested in donating or getting involved to reach out to MCVHG Commander, Bob Christian at (304) 800-7018 for more information. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
