Delaware County Memorial Day Ceremonies

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Though healthcare precautions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic have prevented Memorial Day parades from taking place this year, American Legion Posts and others across Delaware County are hosting ceremonies and events on Memorial Day, May 25:

Walton

Truman C. Tobey Post #32 Commander Len Rutherford reports that a ceremony will be held at the military memorial at the Walton Cemetery at 10 a.m. The ceremony will consist of an opening prayer by Pastor Larry Light of New Hope Community Church, followed by brief remarks from Walton Supervisor Joe Cetta, setting of four wreaths by the Walton Ladies Auxiliary, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and the Sons of the American Legion Squadron, The benediction will then be given by Pastor Larry Light, followed by a traditional gun salute by the American Legion Honor Guard and a playing of Taps and the National Anthem by the Bartlett family, concluding with a flag-raising ceremony. From there, event participants will travel to the World War II Memorial on Stockton Avenue, outside the Castle on the Delaware - formerly the armory - where the Ladies Auxiliary will place a wreath followed by a gun salute and a playing of Taps. The public is welcome to attend either or both ceremonies, Rutherford said, but must adhere to the appropriate safety rules as they relate to Covid-19 that are in effect on that date.

Sidney

Charles L. Jacobi Post #183 Commander Jim Omahen reports that in collaboration with Corp. Ralph H. Arrandale VFW Post #7914, a Memorial Day ceremony will be held Prospect Hill Cemetery on East Main Street at 8 a.m. The ceremony will include a short prayer by the Post Chaplain, a gun salute and a playing of Taps. Following the ceremonies, the VFW will hold a chicken BBQ sale - $8 dinner, $6 half - at the VFW Post located at 133 West Main Street, Sidney - at the corner of Main Street and Circle Drive. There will be no ceremony in Sidney Center.

Bloomville

The Bloomville Fire Department will host a ceremony at the Veterans Memorial located in Riverside Cemetery at 11 a.m. Laura Miller of the Bloomville Episcopal Church will be the featured speaker followed by a presentation of the memorial wreath.

South Kortright

The South Kortright Fire Department will honor the memory of military members with a “drive-through” town beginning at 10:30 a.m. The event is also in appreciation  of veterans, first responders, essential workers and others.

Downsville

James S. Moore American Legion Post #167 Commander Mike Frisbee reports that an online only ceremony will be held on May 25 at 10 a.m. via a Facebook Livestream on the James S. Moore American Legion Post page. The ceremony will consist of placing a wreath, opening words of remembrance, brief remarks by Post Chaplain followed by a playing of Taps and rifle volley to close the ceremony. Frisbee said the Legion wanted to remember fallen military members. “When times were difficult for our country our fellow veterans put aside their lives, endured extreme hardships and some of them paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. Even in the face of such hardships and great losses for our country, they kept moving forward adapting to the changing times and doing what they could do to keep us all safe. Since they gave up so much for all of us, isn’t this the least we can do in their memory. We can’t forget them, even when the times are difficult. We need to adapt and keep moving forward while remembering their ultimate sacrifice,” Frisbee said. Following the ceremony community members are invited to decorate cars, motorcycles, minivans and trucks while playing pagriotic music, with a line up at 11:30 a.m. at the Downsville Fireman’s Field to parade vehicles along a route through Colchester.

Franklin

On Monday, May 25, the Franklin Memorial Day parade will be happening – without the bands. The Ouleout Valley Legion Post 1689 and Franklin Fire Department and EMS are inviting participants in decorated cars, trucks, tractors, doodlebugs, and ATVs, to join the parade honoring those who died in the line of duty in the U.S. military. The parade will begin at 11 a.m. Vehicles will line up on Institute Street and Center Street and travel up Main Street and into the Ouleout Valley Cemetery, returning along Center Street. 

According to Delaware County American Legion Commander Barry Ellis, Delhi ceremonies are cancelled. “The most important thing is everybody’s health and safety. We encourage a face mask and social distancing at any event. I would hate to see anyone get sick from the virus because we are not following precautions,” Ellis said.