• In Our Papers • About Us • Links • Advertising •
Google Custom Search  
       
 

Memorial Day spirit shines on Grand Island

Ceremony honors Veterans who gave their lives

Photos and story by Michael J. Owen, U.S. Navy Journalist (Ret.)
Lewiston Porter Sentinel, June 4, 2005

Pictured here clockwise from the top left, a drummer sets the beat at Monday's Memorial Day ceremony; starting from half-mast, color guard members raise the U.S. flag honoring those who served; and Island residents and visitors observe the Island's proceedings all color guard units line up with flags and rifles to honor those who sacrificed in America's past wars.

Under a bright sunny sky, veterans, their families and others gathered in a solemn ceremony at Grand Island's Charles N. DeGlopper Park on Monday to honor those who died in all of America's wars. Memorial Day, a day set aside to remember the sacrifices of America's sons and daughters who gave their last full measure of devotion while serving our nation, also included visiting the gravesites of local veterans by the Charles N. DeGlopper VFW Post 9249 Color Guard prior to the ceremony that morning. After small American flags were placed at each grave, the VFW detail fired a 21-gun salute and played Taps for the departed veterans.

The main ceremony included the South Park JROTC Honor Guard, Grand Island's Wind Ensemble High School Band, Grand Island's American Legion Post 1306 and the Disabled American Veterans chapter, town officials, and U.S. Air Force Col. Douglas Routt as guest speaker. The ceremony also included the VFW's Post Chaplain Mike Rogan giving the Invocation and Benediction, Joseph Synakowski's solemn roll call of local veterans who died in past wars, heartfelt remarks and recognition of special guests by Town Supervisor Peter McMahon, and a crowd-arousing musical salute by the Wind Ensemble, led by Marty Allen. Some visitors stood proudly wearing the military uniform they once served in, while others wore patches, jackets or hats symbolizing commitment to their veterans' organization or military service.