PHOTOS: Veterans Day observed at 'Circle of Honor'

When the “Circle of Honor” debuted one year ago in Lewiston’s Academy Park, the cold, wet weather kept crowds away from a morning Veterans Day ceremony. With 30 more degrees on the thermometer this time around, people masked up and came out to celebrate the lives and service of those who served in defense of this country.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Downriver Post 7487 Cmdr. Bill Justyk served as emcee for the event. The monument was blessed by the Rev. James Harasimowicz of What’s the Point Ministries on Plain Street, The Very Rev. Randi Hicks-Rowe of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and the Rev. Cole Webster of St. Peter R.C. Church in Lewiston and St. Bernard in Youngstown.

Assemblyman Angelo Morinello, Village of Lewiston Trustee Claudia Marasco and community advocate Lee Simonson (who spearheaded fundraising for the “Circle of Honor”) spoke of the importance of honoring veterans and providing a memorial to educate and inspire the public.

More than 650 names are included on the “Circle of Honor” pillars, offering a permanent tribute to service members who lived, worked or were educated in Lewiston.

Ceremony onlookers wore masks and adhered to social distancing requirements per New York state coronavirus guidelines.

PHOTOS:

Harasimowicz

Hicks-Rowe

Webster

Marasco

Morinello

Justyk and Simonson

VFW Quartermaster Vince Canosa