Youngstown honors war heroes

Photos and story by Larry Austin
Lewiston Porter Sentinel, June 4, 2005

A member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 313 in Youngstown stand in silent reflection at the Tomb of the Unknowns on the grounds of at Fort Niagara State Park.

On Memorial Day, Youngstown veterans paid their respects to brothers in arms who gave the last full measure of devotion in conflicts spanning over 200 years of American history.

Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 313 in Youngstown met for their annual Memorial Day ceremony at the War of 1812 cemetery in Fort Niagara State Park. There, Village of Youngstown Mayor Neil Riordan and Town of Porter Supervisor Merton Wiepert placed a wreath at the tomb of unknown soldiers from the War of 1812.

Afterward, the Village of Youngstown and Town of Porter issued a joint proclamation in honor of Town of Porter native Michael Shea for his meritorious service in Iraq. In presenting the proclamation, Riordan said Shea is a highly decorated U.S. Army veteran currently home from the Middle East who fought bravely in the week-long Battle of Karballah.

Shea is a Lewiston Porter graduate and the son of Mark and Victoria Shea.

Village of Youngstown Mayor Neil Riordan (at podium), joined by Town Porter Supervisor Mert Wiepert offer tribute to Porter native Michael Shea, shown standing at rear.