Recently retired U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. Timothy Deardorff speaks at the Bellefontaine Memorial Day ceremony Monday. (EXAMINER PHOTO | SHARYN KOPF)
“I ask that we go beyond remembering. I ask that we work on ourselves,” Sgt. Timothy Deardorff told the small crowd at the Bellefontaine Memorial Day service on Monday, May 27.
He encouraged the listeners to be kind and volunteer, concluding, “Together we can make our community a better place … one not only worth fighting for but worth dying for.”
The 2002 Benjamin Logan High School graduate retired from the military in February 2023 after 21 years in the service, which began in the Quartermaster Company and ended as an observer controller trainer for the 3397th battalion in Columbus.
He joined the U.S. Army Reserves while in high school in February 2002 following the events of Sept. 11, 2001.
Monday’s ceremony took place at the Bellefontaine Cemetery and included the placing of wreaths. The commemorative events began earlier, though, when the annual parade left the American Legion Post 173 at 9 a.m.
In his introduction, Bellefontaine Mayor Dave Crissman stated, “Today as we honor the fallen, let us also express our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have served and continue to serve in our armed forces. Their bravery and dedication safeguard the liberties we hold dear, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
The Logan County Honor Guard and Color Guard offer a salute at Monday’s ceremony during the placing of wreaths at the Bellefontaine Cemetery. (EXAMINER PHOTO | SHARYN KOPF)