Latest news with #MemorialDayCeremony
Yahoo
2 days ago
- 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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.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
5 days ago
- 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
6 days ago
- 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.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
New veterans memorial unveiled in Sergeant Bluff
SERGEANT BLUFF, Iowa (KCAU) — In honor of Memorial Day, a Sergeant Bluff cemetery has unveiled a memorial for veterans. After many donations a brand new memorial has been placed at the Historic Woodbury Township Cemetery, dozens of families gathered in Sergeant Bluff for American Legion Post 662's Memorial Day Ceremony. '[It] recognizes those who have fallen, who [are] not going to come home again or late in these beautiful cemeteries, and it gives a chance for family, friends in the nation to reflect,' said Terry Hughes, the commander of American Legion George Nelson Post 662. The ceremony ended with a salute from the firing squad, Taps, and then 30 seconds of silence. Story continues below Top Story: 11th annual Thunder on the Missouri rides on Lights & Sirens: Dickinson Co officials looking for possible suspect Sports: Local Iowa high school state track and field highlights and results (5-23-25) Weather: Get the latest weather forecast here Once finished, several people stayed in the Township Cemetery for the dedication of a new veterans' memorial. 'Our cemetery has been here for a hundred plus years. We have several veterans here as far back to veterans that were in the Civil War, World War II. It's been a long past due thing for us here at the cemetery to honor those veterans as well as an extension to all veterans,' said Holly Bowman, with the Historic Woodbury Township Cemetery. The project took many donations from the community to accomplish. 'There are six words. All gave some, and that's very true. Any military member has given some, but the last part is some gave all, and that's really where it's at. That's the bottom line. Those are the guys that sacrificed for this great nation. We can have the freedoms that we enjoy today,' said Hughes. 'Freedom is not free, and we all appreciate that to all the men and women that have served for our country,' said Bowman. One member of American Legion Post 662 said it's a great addition to the cemetery. 'It's beautiful. The township, it's gorgeous what they've done with the cemetery. It always looks nice, but today it just seems to look a little nicer. Memorial is very nice, it's monumental as it is for all those who have served,' said Hughes. American Legion Post 662 wants to thank those who attended this year's Memorial Day Ceremony. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
LIVE AT 6: Johnson City's Memorial Day Ceremony
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Johnson City's annual Memorial Day Ceremony takes place Monday at Johnson City/Washington County Veterans Memorial Park at 6 p.m. The Veterans Memorial Park is located at 703 W Main St.; it houses several granite memorial stones that are engraved with the names of regional veterans who died in wars throughout history. News Channel 11 will livestream the ceremony in this story at 6 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
