NEW RICHMOND, Ohio — The village will host a ceremony Friday evening marking the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, honoring first responders and service members with a program of music, prayer and military honors.
The 25th Anniversary Remembrance ceremony begins at 6 p.m. at the John Hale Bandstand, according to a program distributed by the event’s organizers: the village of New Richmond, the New Richmond Police Department, the New Richmond Fire Department, American Legion Post 550 and the Auxiliary of VFW Fred Calaway Post 6770.
The program opens with an honor guard processional, including presentation of the colors by the American Legion and VFW Honor Guard and the national anthem performed by the RVIC Choir, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Rick Mahan will deliver opening remarks and reflect on the significance of the 25th anniversary, according to the program.
VFW Chaplain Ken Ellis will give the invocation, followed by a keynote address from Jim Serger. The ceremony includes a “Striking of the Four Fives,” a traditional fire department bell tribute, and a wreath-laying at the bandstand by representatives of active military, police, fire and veterans organizations. The RVIC Choir will perform “God Bless America” before the ceremony closes with a rifle volley from the American Legion and VFW Honor Guard, taps performed by Jeff King through the Bugles Across America program, and a benediction from VFW Auxiliary Chaplain Greg Feldkamp.
Following the ceremony, VFW Fred Calaway Post 6770, at 111 George St., will host a chili spaghetti benefit dinner for $15 per person, with proceeds going to the New Richmond Fire and EMS Association, according to the program.
American Legion Post 550, at 550 Washington St., and VFW Fred Calaway Post 6770 are veterans organizations serving New Richmond-area veterans and their families year-round, including through the VFW post’s annual Freedom Fest celebration each July.
The public is invited to attend and pay their respects, organizers said.
The information contained in this story was obtained from a Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities Facebook post sharing details from the village of New Richmond, the New Richmond Police and Fire departments, American Legion Post 550 and the Auxiliary of VFW Fred Calaway Post 6770.