BHS Marching Band plays in Memorial Day Parade; Band earns special award

The Bellefontaine High School Marching Band performed in the Memorial Day Parade Monday morning.

Local residents lined Main Street, East Sandusky Avenue, and Hayes Street to watch this year’s parade.

Over 120 entrants participated, including several first responders along with local businesses and organizations.

The 72-member BHS Band played “You're a Grand Old Flag.”

Band director Ken Hoffman said, "The Pride of the Tribe was honored to be a part of this year's Memorial Day Parade. We were joined one last time by most of our senior class. After the parade, the band directors treated the seniors who marched to ice cream. We hope that our contribution helped celebrate the memories of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms."

The grand marshal was Bob Thuel.

He was named the Logan County Vietnam Veteran of the Year this spring.

Bellefontaine Mayor Dave Crissman and Army veteran Art Rausch were also in the parade.

Following the parade, a Memorial Day ceremony was held in the Bellefontaine Cemetery.

Crissman and Rausch each spoke and reflected on the many service members who were killed to defend our freedom.

Rausch served in the Vietnam War.

He graduated from BHS.

The master of ceremonies was Robert Walker.

A wreath-laying ceremony, 21-gun salute, and playing of Taps closed out the program.

Taps was performed by Lynn Fullerton and Isaac Napier.

The parade and ceremony were coordinated by Samantha Jackson.

The top three patriotic entries in the parade were honored.

The American Veterans Group took home first place.

The City of Bellefontaine Water Department was named runner-up.

The Bellefontaine High School Marching Band earned third place.

Photos: The BHS Marching Band and other entries in the parade

Robert Walker speaks.

Art Rausch speaks.

The wreath-laying ceremony