Memorial Day service held at Moultrie Chapel
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MOULTRIE -- The West Township Memorial Day service was attended by 250 people from many areas.
Minerva's VFW Post 4120 Color Guard began the outdoor program with a salute to our fallen veterans, followed by Taps played by Katie Richeson Ruesser. Approximately 40 children walked the cemetery and placed cut flowers on veterans graves. The Minerva Community Band, under the direction of Derrick Maxey, performed Patriotic selections.
Amelia Whiteleather, fifth grader at Minerva Elementary School, recited the Gettysburg Address. Amelia is the daughter of Andrew and Brook Whiteleather. The indoor service held in the historic Moultrie Chapel began with the singing of "My Country Tis of Thee." Special music was provided by Kendra Bertsch and her father, Troy Haynam.
The speaker was Lt Col. Vito J. Abruzzino, US Air Force Reserve, JAGS Corps. Abruzzino is the county prosecutor for Columbiana County and resides with his family in Salem. His speech was about the many men and women who are in uniform fighting to protect this great country, without retreating, and for those who died in doing so. Veterans in attendance were recognized. Among them were Harriet Miller Jones, East Rochester, 101, the last living World War II veteran in West Township. Harriet served in the Women's Army Corps as a nurse overseas. Bill Pilati, 98, of nearby Minerva, was a survivor of the WWII Battle of the Bulge. Other recognized veterans were from all conflicts and peace time.
Song leader Joseph Ellis lead the group in a congressional sing. West Township Memorial Association President Shirley Whiteleather Fox thanked all who were in attendance. Ice cream and fellowship concluded the service under the canopy of old maple trees by the restored 1893 Moultrie Chapel.