For more than 100 years the citizens of Shreve have set aside a weekend in July to celebrate freedom in a uniquely Shreve way.

Shreve Homecoming.

On July 8 and 9, the community came together to honor those who have served in the military and those that continue to serve and the families that make it possible, through two days of activities designed to express the appreciation of a grateful community.

The celebration kicked off with the Parade of First Responders July 8. Veterans, active duty and reservists and their families, along with firefighters, police officers, EMT personnel and other first responders made their way from Shreve Elementary School to the center of town to the cheers of the hundreds of members of the community that lined the streets of Shreve.

As the last of the parade honorees made their way to the stage area set up for the Shreve Supports Our Troops rally, a U.S. Air Force Reserve C-130 Hercules aircraft based in Youngstown performed a fly over of the Shreve Homecoming midway as Wayne County Clerk of Courts Tim Neal sang the National Anthem.

Throughout the rally, which was organized by Tim and Jayne Neal, members of the community, including Sam Carpenter of American Legion Post 67, Shreve Mayor Jackie Chamberlain and Pastor Jim McComas of the Canaan Freewill Baptist Church, expressed their gratitude for the members of the military and their families for answering the call of duty.

One by one, 127 active duty and reserve personnel from throughout the Triway and West Holmes districts were presented with a token of the community’s appreciation. While some were able to accept the awards themselves, many more were accepted by the family members they have left behind while they serve their country.

Delivering the keynote address was Sergeant Major Richard Winkleman, who noted that being asked to take part in the event was “a humbling experience.”

“I wish every American could see the passion on display here and realize we are more than just a flyover country for them,” said Winkleman. “We don’t just do things because they are fashionable at times and then move on to keep up appearances.

“It’s areas like ours that the nation turns to in its hour of need time and time again. We never hesitate, rarely complain, but we want to know that our efforts are appreciated and our sacrifice is justified,” said Winkleman.

He noted that every day young men and women leave the safety of their homes to voluntarily put themselves in harm’s way to defend the liberties we hold dear.

“How do we ever repay this type of dedication and sacrifice? You start by doing what you’re doing here tonight and continue on with it, not just tonight but every day of the year – remembering, honoring and thanking,” said Winkleman.

As the rally concluded, Golden Heart awards for service to the community were presented posthumously to Shreve Chief of Police Gene Wile and Clinton Township Fire Department Chief Randy Boley. Former Shreve Mayor and current Wayne County Commissioner Jim Carmichael was also presented with the 2011 Citizen of the Year award.

After the rally, members of the community enjoyed a performance by Systems Go, a six-piece rock band that performs as part of the U.S. Air Force Band of Flight program.

Shreve Homecoming concluded July 9 with a whole host of events, including a garden tractor pull, Fireman’s Water Barrel Contest, Shreve Business and Community Association chicken barbecue, kiddie pedal tractor pull, classic car cruise in, a performance by the rhythm and blues band Stick People and a spectacular fireworks display.

For more information on the Shreve Homecoming, visit the village’s website at http://www.shreveohio.com.