Gold Star Mothers recognized in Wheatfield

On Saturday, Sept. 28 – the eve of Gold Star Mothers' Day – a formal dedication service was held behind the Wheatfield Town Hall building at the Wheatfield Veterans Monument and Memorial in honor of Gold Star Mothers. A statue of a grieving mother, kneeling in deep reverence toward the sacrifice she represents for all mothers and families who lost sons and daughters to battle, stands as a unique tribute at the site.

U.S. Army veteran Tom Kontak and members of the veterans monument committee organized the event, while members of the Western New York Military Order of the Purple Heart provided refreshments. The wreath contributed is a faithful replica of one that stood for Gold Star Mothers standing at the cenotaph. It was present at the current site, but formerly situated at the Wheatfield Highway Garage property in 1953, where three other Gold Star Mothers of that time also stood.

Several Gold and Blue Star Mothers and their families were present at the event Saturday, and all were honored. A welcome address was given by Town of Wheatfield Supervisor Don MacSwan (himself twice a recipient of the Purple Heart for service in Vietnam). Speakers included New York State Sen. Rob Ortt and Assemblyman Angelo Morinello (both veterans), and Congressman Tim Kennedy.

The keynote was provided by Fran Davis, Cathy McFarlane and Holly Baker (president of WNY Gold Star Mothers). Eight chapters of this administration remain in Western New York representing the national association created in 1928.

Invocation and closing were offered by the Rev. Denton White, pastor at Holy Ghost Lutheran Church in Bergholz. Town of Wheatfield Historian Justin Higner presented floral bouquets to each of the Gold and Blue Star Mothers as bagpiper and fireman Kevin Mahoney performed “Amazing Grace.” Later in the evening, Mahoney returned to play taps. Smaller bouquets were also handed out to honored Gold and Blue Star guests.

Besides the wreath, one singular and small floral tribute was laid next to the statue itself in honor of those Gold Star Mothers who could not attend, and for those who have passed on since 1928.

Other guests included former Niagara County Legislature Chairman William Ross (Army veteran); Russel Casterline (Korea veteran and Purple Heart recipient); council members Randy Retzlaff, Larry Helwig and Curt Doktor; town justices Gary Strenkoski and Angela Stamm Philipps; Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti; Town Clerk Kathy Harrington-McDonell; former councilman James Heuer; American Legion Riders; American Legion Post 1451; and attendees, guests and veterans from World War II and later conflicts.

After the service, the Gold Star Mothers' wreath was carefully taken in honor, past tributes to town residents, to the welcoming lobby of the Wheatfield Seniors Community Center for temporary public display. (Story and photos by Justin Higner)

On Saturday, the Town of Wheatfield dedicated the newest addition to its Veterans Memorial, the Gold Star Mothers monument. Over 100 people turned out for this event. In attendance were Gold Star Mothers who are dressed in white and Blue Star parents. (Photo by Veterans Memorial Chairman Thomas Kontak)