A special day in the Village of Jeffersonville

Monday was a special day in the Village of Jeffersonville as large crowds lined the streets for the annual Memorial Day parade in the morning, followed by the Jeffersonville Veterans Memorial Service.

One of the highlights of the parade was the inclusion of numerous youth baseball, softball and t-ball teams who tossed candy to the children on the sidewalks. The parade also included local veteran groups, numerous emergency vehicles, antique cars, tractors, etc.

Local historian and retired educator Paul LaRue was the speaker at the Veterans Memorial Service.

“There are more than 1,100 names on the Jeffersonville Veterans Memorial,” LaRue said. “One hundred sixty-two of those names represent young men from this community that served in World War I. Eight of these men made the ultimate sacrifice; a similar number were wounded in action.”

One hundred four years ago, the US was involved in World War I — four million served, two million overseas with 300,000 casualties in 11 months, according to LaRue. More than 100,000 US soldiers and sailors died in service — 200,000-plus Ohioans served with 6,500 Ohioan deaths in service.

LaRue spoke about seven veterans honored at the Jeffersonville Veterans Memorial, including Private Harry B. Acton, Private Ernest Leo Wilt, Private Wilbur Baker, Sgt. 1st Class Howard L. Matthews, Private Clarence Maxwell, and Private Howard Spence.

“We talk a lot about ‘super heroes’ today,” said LaRue. “These men were real super heroes.”

Reach Record-Herald Editor Ryan Carter at 740-313-0352.

Numerous local baseball teams were involved in the Jeffersonville Memorial Day parade on Monday.

https://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2022/05/web1_IMG_1786.jpgNumerous local baseball teams were involved in the Jeffersonville Memorial Day parade on Monday. Ryan Carter | Record-Herald photos

The local youth teams tossed candy out to the many children lining the streets.

https://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2022/05/web1_IMG_1787.jpgThe local youth teams tossed candy out to the many children lining the streets. Ryan Carter | Record-Herald photos

Antique cars were seen in the Jeffersonville Memorial Day parade.

https://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2022/05/web1_IMG_1795.jpgAntique cars were seen in the Jeffersonville Memorial Day parade. Ryan Carter | Record-Herald photos

This little one waved hello to the large crowd during the parade.

https://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2022/05/web1_IMG_1796.jpgThis little one waved hello to the large crowd during the parade. Ryan Carter | Record-Herald photos

Several Jefferson Township fire trucks and emergency vehicles were in the parade Monday.

https://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2022/05/web1_IMG_1802.jpgSeveral Jefferson Township fire trucks and emergency vehicles were in the parade Monday. Ryan Carter | Record-Herald photos

This local Jeffersonville troop marched in the parade Monday.

https://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2022/05/web1_IMG_1771.jpgThis local Jeffersonville troop marched in the parade Monday. Ryan Carter | Record-Herald photos

Local veteran Glenn Rankin said hello to the large crowd.

https://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2022/05/web1_IMG_1774.jpgLocal veteran Glenn Rankin said hello to the large crowd. Ryan Carter | Record-Herald photos

Many kids jumped at the chance to retrieve candy that was tossed out during the parade.

https://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2022/05/web1_IMG_1784.jpgMany kids jumped at the chance to retrieve candy that was tossed out during the parade. Ryan Carter | Record-Herald photos

Paul LaRue

https://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2022/05/web1_LaRue.jpgPaul LaRue Ryan Carter | Record-Herald photos