Ashland’s Veterans Appreciation Celebration Delivers Show-Stopping Salute to America’s Heroes
Three traveling war memorials, helicopter rides, live music and a spectacular 500-drone show create an unforgettable day of patriotism at Freer Field
ASHLAND — Veterans were treated like royalty Saturday as Freer Field became the center of one of the most memorable patriotic celebrations ever held in Ashland County.
Ashland County’s 2026 Veterans Appreciation celebration brought together veterans, military families, Gold Star families and community members for a historic day honoring the men and women who defended the nation.
The Aug. 8 celebration featured the World War II Memorial, Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall and Korean War Memorial displayed together for what organizers described as a first-of-its-kind event in Ohio.
Against the backdrop of America’s 250th anniversary, the three memorials transformed Freer Field into sacred ground, a place where generations came together to remember the fallen, thank the living and teach young people about the price of freedom.
The celebration stretched from an emotional opening ceremony through a full day of live entertainment, helicopter rides, veterans’ activities and an awe-inspiring patriotic display created by 500 drones.
A community’s salute to veterans
State Rep. Melanie Miller opened Saturday’s ceremony by leading the crowd in singing the national anthem. As the final words of “The Star-Spangled Banner” carried across Freer Field, American Legion Riders raised the flag nearby.
Ashland Mayor Matt Miller welcomed visitors to what he called “one of the most patriotic communities in the great state of Ohio.”
“America’s celebrating her 250th birthday, but the truth is it didn’t take a big celebration of America’s birthday to bring out our love for the red, white and blue,” Miller said. “We’ve been loving this great country and the freedom she represents for all generations of our Ashland history.”
The mayor encouraged visitors to look closely at the veterans gathered on the field and remember the sacrifices represented by their uniforms, hats and military insignia.
“Whether they gave the ultimate sacrifice or whether they just gave a portion of their time and their life, they made sacrifices so you and I can live the lives we live today,” Miller said.
He ended with a message of hometown and national pride.
“Don’t ever be ashamed to say you live in Ashland, Ohio, because it’s one of the greatest communities in this country,” Miller said. “But more importantly, now more than ever, don’t you ever be ashamed to say you live in the God-blessed United States of America.”
Remembering those who never returned
The ceremony included a prayer for veterans, active-duty service members, military families and Gold Star families.
Vietnam veteran and former Navy medic Jack Hadley then presented a poem marking America’s 250th anniversary and reminding the audience that every veteran, whether serving in combat or support, deserves the nation’s gratitude.
“Please do not forget those who never came back alive,” Hadley said. “They gave their lives for our country so our freedoms would still survive.”
Hadley also reflected on his own service in Vietnam and the blessing of returning home.
“That’s why I’m so passionate for us to celebrate this day, to honor and to thank all vets by what we do and what we say,” he said.
Korean War-era Air Force veteran Cloyd McNaull expressed amazement at what the community created for its veterans.
“It’s just absolutely amazing to look around and see what’s been done,” McNaull said. “I think I probably speak for all the veterans. It’s just a little bit embarrassing. I don’t think we did this much.”
McNaull spoke about America’s founding, its form of government and the generations of volunteers who stepped forward to protect it.
“As a veteran, we’re proud that we’ve been part of the tradition of keeping America safe,” he said. “It’s a privilege and an honor to see this all come together in Ashland, Ohio.”
Ohio National Guard Sgt. T.J. Houston focused on the meaning of service and the sacrifices shared by military families.
“Military service comes with sacrifice,” Houston said. “It means missed birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, school events and family dinners. Those sacrifices are shared by spouses, children, parents and loved ones who quietly carry that mission alongside us.”
Houston, who also teaches information technology and cybersecurity at the Ashland County-West Holmes Career Center, said veterans provide a powerful example for young people.
“Every veteran here has stepped forward,” he said. “You chose service over comfort, responsibility over convenience and purpose over self. That is a lesson worth teaching and a legacy worth celebrating.”
Houston challenged everyone attending to find a way to serve someone else, whether by helping a neighbor, mentoring a young person, volunteering or checking on a veteran.
“Small acts of service build strong communities,” he said.
Nation remains in good hands
Brig. Gen. Darren Hamilton thanked Veterans Appreciation co-chairs Sandy Burkholder and Tim Chandler, along with the volunteers, sponsors and donors who made the celebration possible.
Hamilton reflected on 250 years of Americans raising their hands and saying, “Send me.”
Although fewer than 1% of Americans currently serve in the Armed Forces, Hamilton assured veterans that today’s service members remain committed to the traditions established by those who came before them.
“The young men and women who serve this nation today are awesome,” Hamilton said. “The men and women who do serve are of great character and integrity. They have what it takes to continue the traditions that you started of defending this country.”
Hamilton spoke about two Ohio airmen who recently received Bronze Stars for their actions under enemy fire.
“These men are the salt of the earth,” he said. “They’re very humble. They are of great character and integrity.”
“Our nation is in good hands with the people who are currently serving,” Hamilton added. “God bless America. God bless Ashland, Ohio, and God bless the USA.”
Volunteers make history possible
Burkholder stessed that the massive celebration was not the work of only its two co-chairs, but the result of an entire team and a community determined to honor its heroes.
“We have an awesome team that surrounds us because there’s no way we could have done all of this, or even any year past, without having that team,” Burkholder said.
She also thanked the sponsors, donors and surrounding communities that supported the event.
“It’s all because of you veterans, because we love you wholeheartedly,” Burkholder said. “You signed that blank check, and we love you all for that.”
Veterans received a free lunch, complimentary haircuts, group photographs and opportunities for paid helicopter rides. Visitors could also experience Huey and Cobra helicopter flights, walk among the traveling memorials and enjoy activities throughout the grounds.
Music, history and hometown pride
The celebration offered something for nearly every generation.
Live entertainment included Big Green Tractor, a Jason Aldean tribute band, the Lincoln Highway Bluegrass Band, Journey tribute band E5C4P3 and Phil Dirt and the Dozers.
Local historian Kenneth Hammontree brought the nation’s founding era to life through his portrayal of Gen. George Washington, connecting America’s Revolutionary generation with those who continued defending the country throughout its history.
The Veterans Appreciation weekend began days earlier with a patriotic police-escorted procession carrying the three traveling memorials from the historic Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield to Ashland.
Residents lined the route with American flags, waves and signs of support as the World War II, Korean War and Vietnam memorials traveled through downtown Ashland before arriving at Freer Field.
A show-stopping finish
As darkness settled over Freer Field, hundreds of illuminated drones rose into the night sky.
The 500-drone patriotic show created brilliant images above the crowd, providing a breathtaking conclusion to a day filled with gratitude, remembrance and unmistakable hometown pride.
Yet the celebration’s most powerful moments were found on the ground, in veterans embracing one another, families searching the Vietnam Wall for a loved one’s name and children standing beside memorials dedicated to sacrifices made decades before they were born.
For one extraordinary weekend, Freer Field was more than a community park. It became a gathering place for America’s military generations and a visible promise from Ashland County:
The fallen will be remembered. Veterans will be honored. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten.
