Veterans remembered in downtown Greenville

GREENVILLE — At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, the guns on the Western Front fell silent, marking the end of World War I, the “War to End All Wars.”

Though the United States did not declare war on Germany until April 1917, America still suffered losses of more than 116,000 dead by the war’s end Nov. 11, 1918 — in terms of lives lost, the third costliest war in American history, after the Civil War and World War II.

One hundred years later, the citizens of Darke County gathered in Greenville to commemorate not only the lives lost in “The Great War,” but the service and sacrifice of all American veterans.

Various groups marched down Broadway, including members of Greenville American Legion Post 140, Color Guard, DAV No. 57, Darke County Vietnam Veterans, Darke County Veterans Services, Greenville High School Navy JROTC, the Boy Scouts and the Light Foundation. The event was hosted by the Fort Greeneville Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

The Greenville High School Marching Band played patriotic numbers throughout the program.

At 11 a.m., church bells in the city rang to mark the moment. The color guard fired a 21-gun salute, which was followed by the playing of “Taps” by Greenville High School senior Bella Hartzell. Brook Netzley of Greenville sang the national anthem.

U.S. Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Troy) was on hand to help lay a wreath at the veteran’s memorial at the Darke County Courthouse.

A 21-gun salute was fired just after 11 a.m. Sunday as Greenville held a Veterans Day parade to honor all those who have served.

https://www.dailyadvocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/web1_IMG_2058-gun-salute.jpgA 21-gun salute was fired just after 11 a.m. Sunday as Greenville held a Veterans Day parade to honor all those who have served. Erik Martin | The Daily Advocate

Brooke Netzley sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” during Greenville’s Veterans Day ceremonies.

https://www.dailyadvocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/web1_IMG_2073-brooke-netzley.jpgBrooke Netzley sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” during Greenville’s Veterans Day ceremonies. Erik Martin | The Daily Advocate

Greenville High School senior Bella Hartzell played “Taps” during Greenville’s Veterans Day ceremonies.

https://www.dailyadvocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/web1_IMG_2068-bella-hartzell.jpgGreenville High School senior Bella Hartzell played “Taps” during Greenville’s Veterans Day ceremonies. Erik Martin | The Daily Advocate

Area residents in downtown Greenville Sunday show their support for America’s service men and women.

https://www.dailyadvocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/web1_IMG_2023-kids.jpgArea residents in downtown Greenville Sunday show their support for America’s service men and women. Erik Martin | The Daily Advocate

U.S. Rep. Warren Davidson joined local veterans in laying a wreath at the Darke County Courthouse. Sunday marked the commemoration of Veterans Day and the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice ending World War I.

https://www.dailyadvocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/web1_IMG_2050-wreath.jpgU.S. Rep. Warren Davidson joined local veterans in laying a wreath at the Darke County Courthouse. Sunday marked the commemoration of Veterans Day and the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice ending World War I. Erik Martin | The Daily Advocate