WALTON - The patriotic spirit of Memorial Day echoed through Walton, Monday, May 26, as the community honored and remembered the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice, their lives, while serving in the United States military.
Members of the Truman C. Tobey Post 32 American Legion, Ladies Auxiliary, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Boy and Girl Scouts, Walton Central School Marching Band, and others, participated in Memorial Day ceremonies and a parade.
Parade participants made their way along Delaware Street from the Walton Central School bus garage to Veterans’ Plaza, where a brief ceremony was held. At Veterans’ Plaza, Retired Lt. Colonel Joseph Cetta recognized Grand Marshal Bill Nagel who served in the Army National Guard for six years, the last living World War II veteran in the community. Cetta called on ceremony attendees to remember the purpose of Memorial Day, and asked for a moment of silence to remember those who lost their lives in military service to the country.
An invocation was delivered by Pastor Christine Lindeberg saying “Let this day be a time of reflection, gratitude, and unity. May we come together in remembrance and may the memories of our fallen heroes inspire us to wok toward a world filled with peace and understanding.”
Cetta recognized Walton Central School Band Director Ray Bartlett for more than 40 years in the position. Bartlett will retire at the end of the school year. Anthony Cetta presented Bartlett with a recognition plaque.
“It’s been a real honor,” Bartlett said of his career.
The ceremonial flag was raised at Veterans’ Plaza by Post Commander Len Rutherford and Boy Scout Troop 45 member London Gardner.
The parade proceeded to the World War II monument on Stockton Avenue where Ladies Auxiliary member Marge Rutherford made remarks celebrating military service men and women.
Following Rutherford’s remarks, the traditional laying of the wreath at the base of memorial was performed by Ladies Auxiliary member Jean Magnus.
From there, the parade continued to the Walton Cemetery where another wreath was placed at the base of the Civil War monument,
The ceremonies and parade concluded with a free lunch for veterans at the American Legion Post.
