Maplewood CemeteryBy Martha Jacob –

The Village of Ripley is planning a very special Memorial Day Celebration for Monday, May 30 according to Melody Kokensparger, Ripley Memorial Day Committee Chair.
“We are looking forward to this special day of celebration,” Kokensparger said. “The parade will be a waking parade which will go from Front Street to the Maplewood Cemetery.
“We encourage anyone and everyone to come out and be a part of this celebration of our veterans. There will be limited space on the Veterans shuttle for anyone who feels they cannot walk to the cemetery.”
Kokensparger said that all children are encouraged to decorate their bicycles and wagons for the parade and this year wheelchairs are included in the parade.
“Judging for the parade will begin at 12:30 p.m.,” she said. “The judging will be held at Front Street at the corner of Main Street.
“We would also like to encourage all residents to fly their flags and decorate to show their support of our veterans.”
Guest speaker for this year’s Memorial Day Celebration will be Mr. Pete Renshaw, Ripley Village Administration and U.S. Navy Veteran.
Renshaw is a graduate of Ohio State University and served nearly 12 years in the navy. His navy career began when he enlisted in 1981. Upon being accepted into the enlisted commissioning program in 1986.
He received a commission as an Unrestricted Line Officer in 1988. Aboard the Guided Missile Frigate USS Stephen W. Groves he served as Damage Control Assistant to the Chief Engineer and then as a weapons officer, followed by a tour as the last combat systems officer for Hydrofoil Squadron Two in Key West, Florida.
In 1993, as the squadron was being decommissioned, he resigned his commission and moved back to Brown County. Mr. Renshaw’s grandfather, father and son have all served in the U.S. Navy.
“We are proud to have Mr. Renshaw as our guest speaker,” Kokensparger said.
Schedule of events includes:
1:00 p.m. Parade line-up on Front Street at the Main Street Monument;
1:30 p.m. Ceremony at Main Street Monument with the parade following, to Maplewood Cemetery;
1:50 p.m. Ceremony at Red Oak Creek Bridge;
2:00 p.m. Ceremony at Maplewood Cemetery.
The Maplewood Cemetery celebration will also include laying of the wreath by American Legion Auxiliary and Masons, and a rifle volley by the American Legion, followed by the playing of taps.
In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held in the lecture hall at R-U-L-H High School at 2 p.m.
Everyone is encouraged to attend this special event.