The annual Memorial Day ceremony in Eden Park is a decades-old tradition conducted by the members of Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 10. This year, the event was co-hosted by the Vietnam Veterans of Southwest Ohio Foundation.
Held each year at the Vietnam Veterans memorial across from the Eden Park Overlook, the event includes a flag raising, posting of service flags, honor wreaths, a flag tribute, a 21-gun salute, a guest speaker, and music provided by the University of Cincinnati Bearcat Bands. The chapter also recognizes recipients of its annual scholarship program.
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This year's speaker, Chapter 10 President Forrest Brandt, reminded those in attendance, "It's up to all Americans to keep the promises made to all veterans and our faithful dead," noting Vietnam was the last wave of drafted military.
Scroll through the gallery below to see more images from Monday's event.
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Korean War Army veteran Franklin Wallace
Tana Weingartner / WVXU
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UC Bearcat Bands
Tana Weingartner / WVXU
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Gary Henson leads the color guard in posting the colors.
Tana Weingartner / WVXU
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Raising the USA and POW-MIA flags.
Tana Weingartner / WVXU
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VVA Chapter 10 President Forrest Brandt was the 2023 speaker.
Tana Weingartner / WVXU
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The service flags are presented as the band plays the songs of each military branch.
Tana Weingartner / WVXU
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UC Trumpet Professor Michael Mergen, USMC, plays taps.
Tana Weingartner / WVXU
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The annual ceremony concludes with the placing of small flags at the base of the memorial.
Tana Weingartner / WVXU