Honoring the fallen

For the past 50 years, when it comes to giving back, my family has always believed in doing, as much as we have giving. As well as writing a check, we like to roll up our sleeves and put in the work. We’ve chosen charities and pursuits that are close to home—and close to our hearts.

Honoring our veterans is an example of that.

I served eight years in the U.S. Army as an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) Specialist. My fellow soldiers and I were trained to deal with unexploded ordnances such as IEDs or grenades. It was a highly stressful job. Sadly, I lost friends in the line of duty and know soldiers who have taken their own lives after coming back.

On the first Saturday of May, an annual EOD Memorial Ceremony takes place at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. Soldiers, airmen, Marines and sailors gather to remember the fallen.

To coincide with that, last month, for the fourth year, I personally placed American flags on the graves of fallen EOD soldiers at 28 locations throughout Northeast Ohio, from Youngstown to Lorain.

Streb Electric also sponsored 160 flags to be placed on graves throughout the state of Ohio.

To me, placing the flags is an honor. We will never forget the fallen.

Memorial Day is coming up in a few weeks. Originally called “Decoration Day,” the holiday began after the Civil War as an observance of decorating the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers.

This year, instead of planning a cookout to kick off your summer, I hope you will also remember the holiday is about honoring and mourning the Americans who have made the ultimate sacrifice for us. There is a National Moment of Remembrance planned for 3 p.m., when people are encouraged to take a minute of silence. 

Streb Electric is headquartered in Willoughby and serves homes and businesses throughout Lake, Geauga and Cuyahoga counties. Call 440-953-5819 or visit StrebElectric.com for more information.