Photos courtesy of Jim Coarse, Moonloop photography 

A slice of small town Americana was on display as Oxford remembered those that gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The true meaning of Memorial Day was on full display as Oxford honored those who died while defending our freedom.  

The Oxford Memorial Day Remembrance Walk and Ceremony began at the Oxford Memorial Park as community members gathered for the short walk up Pine Street to the Oxford Cemetery.  There have been Oxfordians that have fought in every war since the American Revolution buried in the Oxford Cemetery. The community followed an Honor Guard from Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp and the Oxford Area High School and Penn’s Grove middle school bands as they provided a moving drum cadence as the silent walk moved toward the cemetery. Oxford Mayor Phil Harris and Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce President Dennis McCartney carried the Walk with Us banner followed by members of the community. As the walkers approached the cemetery, they walked under a huge American Flag suspended by a ladder truck from the Union Fire Company.  

Bob Stewart of the local American Legion Post led the ceremony. Oxford Area High School students Owen Oliver and Carleigh Zipfel read the Gettysburg Address and Logan’s Orders before guest speaker retired Sgt. Maj. Marty Kenny provided the keynote address. Kenny is the founder and president of The Weekly Fight and shared a personal story of the sacrifice of families who paid the ultimate price for our freedoms. The ceremony ended with a rendition of “Amazing Grace” by bagpiper Kyle Grastly.    

Harris reflected on the event by saying, “I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the Memorial Day Committee and the Oxford American Legion for their hard work and dedication.  Our special event not only honors the fallen, but also unites our community with a heartfelt tribute to this great sacrifice and legacy.”