Ohio National Guard News

Governor's Wreath Laying ceremony
honors fallen Ohio service members

Photos by Staff Sgt. Michael Carden, Ohio National Guard Public Affairs

COLUMBUS, Ohio (05/21/18) — The annual Governor’s Wreath Laying ceremony was conducted May 21 at the Ohio Veterans Plaza on the grounds of the Ohio Statehouse, in Columbus, Ohio. An honor guard comprising Ohio National Guard Soldiers and Airmen participated in the ceremony, part of the annual observance in honor of Memorial Day. The event honors the memory of Ohioans who lost their lives in military service to their country. Gov. John R. Kasich, Maj. Gen. Mark E. Bartman, Ohio adjutant general, retired Col. Chip Tansill, director of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services, and Gold Star spouse Brittnay McCall placed the wreath at one end of the plaza to highlight the event. This annual event has been conducted by Ohio’s governors for more than 20 years.

An honor guard comprising Ohio National Guard Airmen line up along the Ohio Veterans Plaza.

Ceremonial bagpipers from the Ohio State Highway Patrol march down the pathway on the grounds of the Ohio Statehouse.

The annual Governor’s Wreath Laying ceremony was conducted at the Ohio Veterans Plaza on the grounds of the Ohio Statehouse.

Ohio National Guard Airmen stand at attention during the Governor's Wreath Laying ceremony.

Brittnay McCall, a Gold Star wife and survivor outreach coordinator for the Ohio National Guard, speaks during the ceremony.

Maj. Gen. Mark E. Bartman (from left), Ohio adjutant general, retired Col. Chip Tansill, director of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services, Command Sgt. Maj. Shawn Hayslett, Gov. John R. Kasich and Brittnay McCall stand and render respect after emplacing a wreath at the Ohio Veterans Plaza.