The Port City Pauses To Say ‘Thank You’ To Its Fallen Heroes

American Legion Park was just one of the places the groups paid its respects to America’s veterans.

A US Coast Guard umbrella.

Flags adorn many graves in the Mexico cemetery.

A lone bugler plays Taps at the conclusion of one of the veterans’ services Monday morning.

A crowd braves the rain for Monday’s ceremony.

A salute in East Park.

The parade heads toward Veterans’ Memorial Park.

Placing a wreath among the flags.

Assemblyman Will Barclay recognizes the sacrifices made by Oswego’s many veterans.

Mayor Billy Barlow addresses the large crowd in Veterans’ Memorial Park.

Flags adorn many graves in Oswego’s St. Peter’s Cemetery.

MC George Hoffman

Marlene Knopp (2010) Oswego’s only female Veteran of the Year.

Tony Leotta acknowledges the crowd after being introduced as a Veteran of The Year (2003).

A salute in West Park.

Mike Cloonan salutes.

A wet flag flaps in the breeze along Riverwalk West

A man salutes during Monday’s ceremony at Veterans’ Park.

OSWEGO, NY – Once again, the Port City paused to honor and thank the men and women who fought and died for our freedoms.

On Monday, members of the area veterans’ and service groups spent the early morning visiting various parks and cemeteries in Oswego and surrounding communities paying tribute to our nation’s veterans.

A handful of onlookers, some with flags and cameras, lined the parade route from West Park to Veterans’ Memorial Park shortly before 11 a.m. They applauded as the group marched by.

A larger crowd, many decked out in red, white and blue and shrouded by umbrellas, hunkered down at Veterans’ Memorial Park under the rainy skies and cool temperatures, greeted the group as it marched into the park.

The Snowbelters performed patriotic songs for the ceremony.

Memorial Day is sacred to all veterans and families of veterans, according to George Hoffman Jr., of the Oswego City Veterans’ Council and the master of ceremonies.

He was joined on stage by Oswego Mayor Billy Barlow and Assemblyman Will Barclay.

“Today is the unofficial first day of the summer season. However, let’s not forget who gave us these times of pleasure and enjoyment. It is a very important date for past and current military brothers and sisters,” Hoffman told the crowd assembled in the park. “Do we or our children know why this day is so important? Do we know the real reason we celebrate this day?”

This day is in memory of those who made the supreme sacrifice, laying down their lives so we have the opportunity to enjoy the freedoms that we have today, he explained.

“Memorial Day is a time to reflect on our veterans’ service and sacrifice; even as our armed forces are performing difficult and dangerous missions in distant lands,” he said. “And the sad part is that if we don’t instill in our youths’ minds the importance of this day, it will soon be forgotten.”

He told everyone to pass along the reason the veterans died so those who never knew them would understand the reason for observances such as Memorial Day.

“We owe it to our fallen heroes to pause from our routine so that we may respectfully honor their lives and sacrifices for liberty and freedom. One day, just one day to remember the sacrifice of those who have gone before us. And also, to remind those who have been touched by the pain of war that the lives they mourn were not offered in vain,” he said.

“It’s a real honor for me to be here again this year,” Barclay said.

He thanked the veterans present at the ceremony for their contributions and sacrifices. He urged everyone to check out a column in today’s (May 29) Wall Street Journal. Written by a Major Kavenaugh, it describes what it means to serve and remembering those made the ultimate sacrifice.

“Let’s always remember those who defended our great country and never forget the commitment they made to our nation,” he said. “And, particularly remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice; but let’s not do it just Memorial Day, let’s do it every day.”

Barlow said it was a honor to be in Oswego to help celebrate Memorial Day.

“Our freedom is made possible by the men and women of our armed forces. The protection of our values, laws and liberty has been generously bestowed on us by men and women of valor,” the mayor said.

He asked that everyone join him in “honoring, remembering and forever loving the true heroes of our nation.”

Hoffman asked the crowd if anyone knew what was the biggest pay a member of the military could receive.

“Do me one favor this Memorial Day,” he explained. “Pay tribute to those who gave all. And, if you encounter a living veteran today or other military person – just say thanks. That’s all the pay we need.”

“A boy, around 6 or 7 years old, was marching in Fulton’s parade on Saturday,” Hoffman said. “When he saw my (US Navy) hat, he broke ranks and came over to me and said, ‘Thank you!'”

Earlier in the day Monday, veterans representing several organizations as well as the Oswego Elks were out visiting cemeteries and parks around the area in honor of their fallen comrades.

A wreath was placed at the memorial for Gold Star Mothers. At that time Hoffman recalled the late Fred Crisafulli, the 2006 Veteran of the Year. Traditionally, it was Crisafulli who placed the wreath, as his mother was Oswego’s first Gold Star Mother in World War II, Hoffman explained.

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