Mowrystown observes annual Memorial Day service
Carter Boyd speaks at the 2026 Memorial Day service in Mowrystown. (Courtesy of Fred Yochum.)
Approximately 400 people gathered in Mowrystown on Memorial Day to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States during the community’s annual Memorial Day parade and service.
The ceremony featured patriotic music by the Whiteoak High School Band and participation from the Highland County Honor Guard and the Roy Wilson American Legion Post.
Fred Yochum served as master of ceremonies, guiding the afternoon’s program of remembrance and tribute.
The featured speaker was Carter Boyd, the 2025 graduate of Hillsboro High School and 2025-26 Ohio FFA state president. Boyd spoke about the true sacrifice made by military veterans and emphasized that the names listed on memorials represent real people, families, and lives forever changed by war.
To help make that message personal, Boyd distributed papers to members of the audience containing the names of Ohio veterans who were killed in military conflicts. The gesture encouraged those attending to reflect on the reality behind each sacrifice and to remember that every fallen service member was someone’s son, daughter, friend, or neighbor.
Nancymae Ogden led the singing of the National Anthem, and members of the Concord Junior Farmers placed flags on graves of veterans.
A moving tribute was also conducted by Kraig Walker and the American Legion Auxiliary, whose members honored naval veterans by tossing bouquets into Whiteoak Creek in remembrance of those lost at sea.
The service concluded with a closing prayer by Rick Emery as the community paused to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
– Special thanks to Fred and Barb Yochum.