2013 Memorial Day events scheduled

Compiled from submitted information

There are a number of Memorial Day events planned for the area, but one must-attend Memorial Day event this weekend in Willshire stands out in honoring the military.

In their third year, storeowners Bill and Aleta Weiss have completely transformed the entire Willshire Home Furnishings store at 318 State St. into a military museum, bringing to the public an exhibit that will offer endless lessons in history.  The store will not be open for business, but rather, will open its doors from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. to pay special tribute to veterans past and present during this Memorial Day weekend.

On Memorial Day itself, Monday, May 27, at 1 p.m. the public is invited to meet at Willshire Park and enjoy performances by local singer and songwriter John Brodbeck and other special guests. Refreshments will be available, while
keepsakes, such as photos, uniforms, flags, a variety of old medals, a German helmet, a Purple Heart and Japanese swords brought in by inspired residents and service personnel touched by the tribute can be seen at Willshire Home Furnishings.

The event takes several weeks to organize and donations are handled carefully as they are brought in and finally set up for display by the Weisses for the Memorial Day commemoration. The collection of items brought in for the exhibit has doubled from 2011 to 2012 and encompasses regalia that represent American conflicts from World War I to Afghanistan and Iraq. Of particular interest are the maps on display that belonged to Aleta Weiss’ father; he had been part of a mapping battalion and served in six battles, including the Battle of the Bulge, the largest and bloodiest land battle in the history of the U.S. Army in Europe during World War II.

While living, Weiss’ father did not talk much with his family about his experiences of serving, but later he would find the opportunity before passing and would leave behind a manila envelope filled with all the details enclosed, along with other interesting artifacts. It wasn’t until after he died, when it was too late, that Weiss had the chance to understand what her father had experienced and the impact of his service.

Mrs. Weiss’s devotion to her father and his service has led her to spearhead this event and she has spent countless hours preparing each donation and planning the occasion.

The Weisses would like to honor veterans past and present, and they would like the public to share in this experience through the display at the store and entertainment at Willshire Park. Donations are being accepted for Honor Flights and those may be left in canisters at the store. For more information, call Willshire Home Furnishings at 419.495.2833.

Other Memorial Day services held Monday include one in Memorial Park on West Main Street in Van Wert hosted by American Legion Post 178.

The service will begin at 10:45 a.m., while lunch will be served for veterans and their families at the post home following the service. There will be no Memorial Day service in Woodland Cemetery this year.

In Ohio City, American Legion Harvey Lewis Post 346 will conduct a service at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Veterans Memorial Park in Woodlawn Cemetery.

The Van Wert Area Community Concert Band will provide music while George Ropp will be guest speaker.

Soup and sandwiches will be served in the Community Park Building. In case of inclement weather, the service will be held in the Legion post home, 306 Lambert St. in Ohio City.