EATON — The Preble County Honor Guard kicked off the 172nd annual Preble County Fair on Saturday, July 30, with a 21-gun-salute and flag raising during the Veterans Memorial Service, held at the front gate flagpole.

“I was born and raised here in Preble County and always enjoyed the Preble County Fair, it’s a great day in our county, it’s very important, and this was one of the favorite parts,” opened State Representative Rodney Creech.

“This is pretty much our kick-off, getting to raise the flag and having our veterans here,” Creech concluded.

The Honor Guard also maintains a trailer at the fair with wartime memorabilia, and a wall dedicated to fallen soldiers and decorated with their dog tags. Gov. Mike DeWine also visited the Honor Guard during his visit to the fair on Saturday, July 30.

State Rep. Creech addresses attendees during the annual Veterans Memorial Service on Saturday, July 30.

https://www.registerherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2022/08/web1_IMG_1809-1.jpgState Rep. Creech addresses attendees during the annual Veterans Memorial Service on Saturday, July 30.

Preble County Honor Guard gives 21-gun salute during the Veterans Ceremony on Saturday, July 30.

https://www.registerherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2022/08/web1_IMG_1813-1.jpgPreble County Honor Guard gives 21-gun salute during the Veterans Ceremony on Saturday, July 30.

Preble County’s Honor Guard stands at the ready during the Veterans Ceremony on Saturday, July 30.

https://www.registerherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2022/08/web1_IMG_1818-1.jpgPreble County’s Honor Guard stands at the ready during the Veterans Ceremony on Saturday, July 30.

Wartime memorabilia is displayed in the Honor Guard trailer at the fair.

https://www.registerherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2022/08/web1_IMG_1822-1.jpgWartime memorabilia is displayed in the Honor Guard trailer at the fair.

Wartime memorabilia is displayed in the Honor Guard trailer at the fair, along with U.S. military uniforms preserved by Honor Guard members.

https://www.registerherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2022/08/web1_IMG_1823-1.jpgWartime memorabilia is displayed in the Honor Guard trailer at the fair, along with U.S. military uniforms preserved by Honor Guard members.

Pictured is the wall of fallen soldiers’ dog tags displayed in the Honor Guard trailer at the fair.

https://www.registerherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2022/08/web1_IMG_1824-1.jpgPictured is the wall of fallen soldiers’ dog tags displayed in the Honor Guard trailer at the fair.