1,700 black balloons soar for POW/MIAs

Ralph Tharpe of Parma, Ohio, started the American Legion Riders POW/MIA Rittman Run and balloon launch in 2008 — an event open to the public that has grown to 750 riders. The riders are escorted by police for 35 miles to a solemn POW/MIA ceremony at Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman.

Until last year, the August event featured 300 black balloons released by hand during the ceremony to "symbolize the souls of all POW/MIAs," said Tharpe, a member of Post 627 and Ohio’s 13th District POW/MIA Legion Riders chairman. Now, with the release of a cord, a 21-foot tall POW/MIA balloon sends 1,700 black balloons into the sky in remembrance of all POW/MIAs still unaccounted for from the Revolutionary War to the Vietnam War.

"People kept saying I was crazy and wasting $3,700 (for the large balloon), but I kept telling them it was for all those who have served and sacrificed," Tharpe said. "I talked to different companies about sponsoring the balloon, and I accomplished what I started out to do."

The large POW/MIA balloon, which can hold up to 4,000 balloons, was sponsored by a rent-to-own furniture, electronics and appliances company.

Before the 1,700 black balloons are released during the POW/MIA ceremony at Western Reserve National Cemetery, everyone in attendance holds hands and forms a circle while the song "I’m proud to be an American" by Lee Greenwood is played.

"It is truly a beautiful ceremony to experience," Tharpe said. "I didn’t think the ride would get this big, but word got out that this is a great event. I put my heart into it."

Last November, the large balloon was featured for two weeks in front of Parma’s City Hall in honor of Veterans Day.

"The balloon served as a reminder to never forget our POW/MIAs till they all come home and the mission is done," Tharpe said.

This year’s American Legion Riders POW/MIA Rittman Run and balloon launch is Aug. 8. The ride will start at Brook Park (Ohio) Recreation Center at 10 a.m.