Columbus City Councilmember Nancy Day-Achauer led other community leaders in Linden Area, Columbus, Ohio to honor heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend America as the country marked Memorial Day.

“We are proud of them and grateful for their service. Tragically, these extraordinary people we are honoring today made the ultimate sacrifice and are deserving of special recognition and remembrance,” said Councilmember Nancy Day-Achauer.

“Thanks for this remembrance. They will never be forgotten. Memorial Day is a special day because of who we are. We are honoring them but also, we must recognize that this day can also be unsettling because it can trigger past trauma and steer up troubling emotions.

If anyone here is struggling, please reach out. We hold our service members in the highest regard.”

The Guest Speaker, Chris Suel, Assistant Director of External Affairs for Mayor Andrew Ginther who grew up in Linden and a veteran said “I remember the men and women who laid down their lives in their service to our nation. They are our heroes; today is for them.” “The heroes never came home to kiss their families’ goodbye; they never got to say hello. They chose service not because it was easy but because they believed in something worth defending.”

Merle Pratt, Legislative Chairman of AMVETS said “2025 is a special year for veterans. This is the 50^th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam war. We are here today to recognize all veterans, those who served and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

The presentation of colors was by the Ft. Hayes JROTC Honor Guard, with the national anthem by Haley Gerken while the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Dawn Redman of the South Linden Area Commission.

Also, reading of names was done by Carol Perkins of We Are Linden and Ralph Carter laid the wreath.

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