PUT-IN-BAY, Ohio – Park Rangers and the Put-in-Bay community will honor the fallen at Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial during a Memorial Day Service at 11am on Monday, May 27. The Memorial column will open immediately following the ceremony at approximately 12pm.
“We all come together on Memorial Day to honor the men who died in the Battle of Lake Erie, and honor all veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” said Superintendent Barbara Rowles. Superintendent Rowles, a US Army veteran, said American Legion Post #542 of Put-in-Bay will provide the Color Guard and veterans will fire a rifle volley, with Rangers firing muskets, at the end of the service. Local veteran Bob Hilt will join the superintendent in placing a wreath in the Memorial’s rotunda over the spot marking the location where three American and three British naval officers are interred together.
“Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial Park Rangers learn the names of Lt. John Brooks and midshipmen Henry Laub and John Clark soon after they arrive here,” said Superintendent Rowles. “They are the American officers we are here to honor every day.” Park Rangers traditionally hand out red carnations with the name of an Ohioan who has died in the line of duty to those attending. Superintendent Rowles said Park Rangers will also attend the American Legion’s Memorial Day Service at 12:30 pm at Maple Leaf Cemetery.
A bagpiper will return to the plaza of the Memorial Column at 3pm on Monday to play “Amazing Grace” during a National Moment of Remembrance.
Both ferry services to the island provide free transportation to veterans on Memorial Day. The Memorial Column and Observation Deck, and the park’s Visitor Center, are open 10 am to 6 pm daily through September 8. Hours are 10 am to 5 pm September 9 through September 30, and weekends in October (Friday through Monday) until October 21.