America 250 and D-Day commemorated Saturday

CLYDE — The nation's 250th anniversary and the 82nd anniversary of the D-Day invasion of Normandy were celebrated and remembered Saturday in Clyde. The event, at Seneca County Commissioner Bill Frankart's farm, included speeches, a car show, military reenactments, music, historical displays, military vehicles and food trucks. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Jody O'Millian of the United Veterans Council reflected on the sacrifices made by military members to fight for and preserve freedom. "We need to honor those sacrifices and never take freedom for granted," he said. Tiffin Mayor Lee Wilkinson said his uncle was a D-Day veteran and his father served in the Korean Conflict. Both "were not seeking recognition," he said. "They were fighting for us." Jay Edwards, a former Ohio House representative, urged attendees to "never let their (veterans') stories die." State Representative Gary Click noted the importance of passing the legacy of freedom to the next generation and shared that his son currently serves in the military. "Their service," Click said, "is the ultimate blank check." State Representative Bob Latta and Senator Bill Reineke also addressed the group gathered to pay tribute to veterans and active duty service members and celebrate freedom. The event was sponsored by Seneca County Republican Women.