ASHTABULA COUNTY FAIR DAY THREE

By ELLEN KOLMAN - Staff Writer - ekolman@starbeacon.com
Star Beacon

August 08, 2008 03:52 am

— JEFFERSON — As precipitation fell over the Ashtabula County Fair Thursday afternoon, spirits rose with pride as Ashtabula County’s veterans were honored.
Veterans of all wars were special guests of the fair all day. The salute climaxed with a flag raising, flyover salute and a special song in front of the grandstand.
“It is a symbol to honor those who served our country,” said Durward A. Newhard, of Jefferson, who is the commander of the Jefferson Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3334.
“This is an honor of respect to the veterans who went before us and our present-day veterans who are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Dave Sawdey, who is a member of the Pvt. Henry Kalinowski Detachment 782 of the U.S. Marine Corps League and one of the event coordinators.
“It takes about a year to put this event together; all the veterans in Ashtabula County are represented here,” Sawdey said.
Helping the veterans with the flag raising were two members of the Young Marines, an auxiliary group: Sgt. Josh Hamper, 13, and his brother, Cpl. Gregory Hamper, 15, of Jefferson.
“This is a youth organization for 8 to 18-year-olds that is a drug-free demand-reduction program from the Marine Corps,” Gregory Hamper said. “It focuses on physical fitness activities, community service, helping veterans, and we march in parades.”
Emotion was felt by everyone in attendance as the airplane circled the grandstand in salute, while at the same time Joshua Woodard sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
“Watching the flag raise and hearing the anthem sung, sends a tingle up the spine and a lump in the throat for every serviceman,” said Ron McClung, of Geneva, who is a retired U.S. Marine Corps sergeant major.
McClung’s wife, Rebecca, was watching the ceremony from the grandstand, with their two children.
“Ron just retired after 26 years in the Marines. He served a year in Iraq (2005-06) and a year during Desert Storm (1990-91). He has seen a lot. I am very proud of him for everything he has accomplished during his years of service, and I am proud of our soldiers for all they have accomplished. This was a very touching ceremony today,” she said.

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