UNION SPRINGS - If there was any chance they would forget the real meaning of Memorial Day, America's National Aviator of the Year reminded the hundreds gathered in Union Springs Monday.
“On Memorial Day, we always celebrate the beginning of summer, with people putting on shorts for the first time and firing up their grills,” Army pilot Robert A. Graff told the crowd gathered for the village's holiday celebration. “But let us not forget what this day means: We're here to honor the men and women who gave the
ultimate sacrifice by defending their country to the death.”
The Cortland native and graduate of Southern Cayuga returned from a tour in Iraq in December. He was recently named the single most outstanding fighter pilot in the country.
Those who turned out for the memorial service stood in silence as Ed Butts, commander of the local American Legion post, spoke about his fallen companions.
“We renew our vows through our service here today,” he said. 'Because of our fallen brothers and sisters, we continue to be free. Because of them, our nation lives.“
Following Butts's speech, there was a 21-gun salute, accompanied by the playing of Taps.
Sponsored by the American Legion, the event began with a memorial service at Chestnut Hill cemetery. Alongside the cemetery, dozens of floats, antique cars and trucks, and fire and rescue vehicles lined up and made the slow journey to the park. With a color guard and a float that featured dozens of U.S. flags, the American Legion led the procession, which ended at Frontenac Park.
“This parade has gone on for as long as I can remember,” said Jerry Jorgensen, a Vietnam veteran and Legion member who served as Grand Marshal of the parade.
One of the most interesting vehicles in the parade was a 1923 Model T Ford, driven by Jody Gula of Auburn. The antique car featured beautiful wood bodywork that was assembled in Waterloo, Gula said.
At the ceremony at Frontenac Park, a huge crowd gathered to listen to the community band and they heard several military personnel speak about their service.
“I've been to many different parts of the world #) France, Germany, Bosnia, Afghanistan, even countries you can't pronounce or spell - but believe me when I say that there is no greater place on earth than right here in upstate New York,” Graff said.
ultimate sacrifice by defending their country to the death.”
The Cortland native and graduate of Southern Cayuga returned from a tour in Iraq in December. He was recently named the single most outstanding fighter pilot in the country.
Those who turned out for the memorial service stood in silence as Ed Butts, commander of the local American Legion post, spoke about his fallen companions.
“We renew our vows through our service here today,” he said. 'Because of our fallen brothers and sisters, we continue to be free. Because of them, our nation lives.“
Following Butts's speech, there was a 21-gun salute, accompanied by the playing of Taps.
Sponsored by the American Legion, the event began with a memorial service at Chestnut Hill cemetery. Alongside the cemetery, dozens of floats, antique cars and trucks, and fire and rescue vehicles lined up and made the slow journey to the park. With a color guard and a float that featured dozens of U.S. flags, the American Legion led the procession, which ended at Frontenac Park.
“This parade has gone on for as long as I can remember,” said Jerry Jorgensen, a Vietnam veteran and Legion member who served as Grand Marshal of the parade.
One of the most interesting vehicles in the parade was a 1923 Model T Ford, driven by Jody Gula of Auburn. The antique car featured beautiful wood bodywork that was assembled in Waterloo, Gula said.
At the ceremony at Frontenac Park, a huge crowd gathered to listen to the community band and they heard several military personnel speak about their service.
“I've been to many different parts of the world #) France, Germany, Bosnia, Afghanistan, even countries you can't pronounce or spell - but believe me when I say that there is no greater place on earth than right here in upstate New York,” Graff said.
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Mary L. Graf wrote on May 31, 2006 7:41 AM: