CLARENCE, N.Y. — The rain forced the cancellation of the Memorial Day Parade in Clarence Monday morning, but the ceremony moved inside.
To kick things off, a little bit of the parade came inside, to brighten up this rainy and windy Memorial Day with the CC Diamond Twirlers. They performed their routine to a packed crowd at the Town Park Clubhouse before the ceremony started.
"All of us lead busy lives. We must take time to pause and reflect, so we ask of you not to rush through your Memorial Day. Take this day to remember those who are dead. Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, and Members of the Air Force and Coast Guard, and this is why we are gathered here today," explained Randy Garver with American Legion Post 838.
As is tradition, the American Legion hosted a guest speaker. This year, it was town historian and high school teacher Joseph McGreevy, who shared the history of this solemn holiday with the crowd.
"Let us pledge to honor their memory, not just with words, but with actions by upholding the values of which they fought, and by striving to build a better Town of Clarence, a better State of New York, and a better country, the United States of America," said Clarence Town Historian Joseph McGreevy.
After the rifle salute, the Clarence Rotary Foundation honored the latest military members added to the Clarence Veterans Memorial, including five family members and two sets of father-son veterans.
They also highlighted the special guests chosen to raise the flags honoring each branch of the military at Monday's ceremony.
"During his time in the Marine Corps, Doug was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received fighting in Iraq as well as other medals. Doug now works for the VA where he is a veterans services representative," explained one speaker.
When the ceremony was over, the rain stopped just long enough to raise the flags at the Clarence Veterans Memorial.
If you are interested in learning more about adding your loved one to the honor wall, you can visit the memorial's website for more information.
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