Bowman to serve as grand marshal for VFW Memorial Day parade

Veterans of Foreign Wars, Downriver Post 7487, announced Col. Brian S. Bowman, wing commander of the 914^th Airlift Wing at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, will serve as the honorary grand marshal for the annual VFW Memorial Day Parade, remembrance ceremony and community luncheon.

"Col. Bowman assumed command of the 914^th in February of this year and we are proud to say that he and his wife, Jimmie, are new residents of the Town of Lewiston," event organizer Norm Machelor said.

Bowman began his career as an airman in the Pennsylvania National Guard. Selected for pilot training in 1988, he received his 2^nd lieutenant commission in May of that year. He is rated as a command pilot with over 3,600 flight hours. His lengthy list of major awards and decorations attest to the strength of his steadily advancing career.

"The Niagara Air Reserve Station is a very important element of our national defense and a major support of our local economy. The VFW Downriver Post 7487 feels that the selection of a commander of the caliber of Col. Bowman demonstrates the importance the Air Force gives to our base," Machelor said.

The Memorial Day parade begins at 11 a.m. Monday, May 30, at the Red Brick Municipal Building.

"We wish the audience to follow the parade to Academy Park and to the Veterans Memorial, where we will hold at noon a remembrance ceremony honoring those who have died in the service of our country," Machelor said. "Memorial Day, formerly 'Decoration Day,' is specifically set aside to honor our war dead - those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

"After the remembrance ceremony, the entire community is invited to join us for a luncheon at Lewiston Fire Co. No. 1's beautiful banquet hall on Sixth and Center. The luncheon will be provided free of charge."