Not just the start of summer

Mantua will host its annual Memorial Day ceremony and parade at Veterans Plaza on Monday, May 25, at 10:30 a.m.

The events are a collaboration between the Mantua Veterans Commission, its VFW and American Legion Post 192 in Wenonah, all three of which will form a color guard in the morning.

The parade will begin in Wenonah and make its way to the township’s cemetery for a small service, then head to Mantua Methodist Cemetery, before eventually arriving at the township municipal building.

“It’s not just the opening of summer,” said commission chairman Joe Heitman. “Many vets consider this the most important holiday of the year. We need to emphasize why this is important and instill a sense of patriotism, especially in the children.”

The holiday events – as they do every year – will honor a deceased Mantua serviceman. This year’s honoree is the late John Henry Versland, who had to hide from the Nazis in his native country of Norway during World War II, then came to the U.S at 17 in time to serve with the Army in Korea.

Versland settled in Mantua in 1948, according to Smith Funeral Home, where he resided until his death in 2017 at 85. His family is expected to attend the Memorial Day events and accept the honor on his behalf. A veteran who has yet to be determined will be the keynote speaker and Committeeman Jack Steen will deliver the opening speech.

As a way to get children involved and instill the meaning of Memorial Day, there will be a bike parade and contest for elementary-school students. Kids are encouraged to decorate their bikes in patriotic colors and decor. The three best students from pre-K to sixth grade will receive prizes at the municipal building. Boy and Girl Scout leaders will handle the judging.

Preschoolers to second graders will meet at J. Mason Tomlin Elementary School at 9:30 a.m. to join the end of the parade. Kids in grades three to six will meet at Van Meters Garage in Wenonah at 8:30 a.m. to link up with the parade there.

“We need to make sure the memory of these soldiers never fades,” Heitman noted. “I get that people are excited about the start of summer, especially after the winter we had, but we need to highlight the patriotic value of Memorial Day.”