Memorial Day 2012 : Honoring Our Veterans

This year’s Memorial Day Parade, which took place Sunday, was quite a sight to see. The parade began with all the participants lining up before 1 p.m. At 1 p.m. there was a dedication and two wreaths were cast into the water from the bridge in Hogansburg. Following this, three shots were fired into the air to complete the dedication. The dedication took place at the middle of the bridge. The parade participants were on the eastbound side of the bridge and a large group of bikers were gathered on the other side. A small crowd of bikers had gathered to watch the dedication, and when it was over they proceeded to get on their bikes and ride off at the head of the parade. Next in line were the members of the American Legion, followed by the color guard and then fireman. Floats, and vehicles dominated this portion of the parade, with vehicles from the American Legion, Department of Veterans Affairs, The Vet Center, the Hogansburg/Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department, the Akwesasne Cancer Support Group, the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino, the Girl Scouts of Akwesasne, Fort Covington, Bombay, Westville; a Dr. Seuss Themed float from members of ACCE, the Tarbell Management Group, The St. Regis Mohawk School Band, the St. Regis Mohawk School Parent Teacher Organization, the Akwesasne Attack, the Akwesasne Boys and Girls Club, a basket making float, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Sexual Assault Response Team, a truck that said Honoring Our Parents – Past, Present, and Future; the Intensive Preventative Program, a memorial for Charles Lazore, a large airplane float recognizing the military veterans from Snye, a battleship recognizing naval veterans, and the Saint Regis Mohawk Police. The end was a mass of beautiful classic cars, a few race cars, both big and small, and a few riders on horseback finished off the parade. Following the parade was a dedication at the Legion where prayers were said, and the efforts of fallen veterans were recognized. Three wreaths were placed on the monument, and the flags were lowered to half-staff. After the dedication, a $10 plate BBQ dinner was offered as well as hotdogs and hamburgers for all that participated in the parade. I asked a few people what Memorial Day meant to them. Helen White said, “It’s about the love of our country and the freedom we have.” Pete Mitchell said, “It’s to remember all the people who lost their lives during the war. Remembering my father who was in there, and my uncle who just passed away over Thanksgiving, and just remembering them and honoring them. I am grateful for the things they have done to make us a free country.” Pernell Peters said, “I retired in 2007, it’s for everybody who served, I signed up in 1989, 20 years of active duty and National Guard. I have been through everything this country has gone through so far. It’s just a lot of people who have fallen, and the lives we have now. The sacrifices they made so we can do what we are doing today.” It was a gorgeous day, and a wonderful event celebrating the sacrifices of our war heroes.