With an attendance of nearly 100, the town of Victory honored all veterans in the town and neighboring areas in Cayuga County at the firehouse in Victory.

We combined our Veterans Day service with an Ecumenical Patriotic Program. Supervisor Lucille Craine welcomed everyone, I led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Bosti Sidoti sang the “Star Spangled Banner” to begin the program. The Red Creek American Legion Band, under the direction of Philip Waterman, played several patriotic tunes and marches throughout the program.

The Rev. Lorraine Zimmerman, pastor of the Victory United Methodist Church, led the Call to Worship and directed the Ecumenical program, “Let Freedom Ring!” along with adults and children from the town.

Sharon Coleman accompanied us on the keyboard for our singing of “America” and “This is My Song.”

Our speakers were Harry Sowles from the LaBuff-Cole American Legion Post 911 in Cato; Ethel Barnes, Gold Star Mother, and William Bolling, retired N.Y. State Trooper and Army officer.

We were very pleased that Michael Van Wie, son of Jeff Van Wie and grandson of Harvey and Delores Van Wie of Victory, was home on leave from Iraq for two weeks and was able to join our program. Michael gave a short talk on his service in Iraq and thanked everyone for their continued support and prayers for the troops.

The Color Guard from the LaBuff-Cole Post 911 provided the military services of lowering the flag outside to half-staff at exactly 11 a.m. and then raising the flag to full-staff at exactly noon.

This is the same Legion Post that provides military services at seven cemeteries every Memorial Day morning. We are very proud to have them participate in our program every year.

We also honored our former historian, Catherine Yarrow Bailey, a true patriot. Catherine, along with Supervisor Craine upheld the tradition of Memorial Day and Veterans Day services started years ago by another former historian, Evelyn Wood and her friend, Ethel Barnes.

Our honor roll of veterans plaque, outside the firehouse building, was completed and updated under their wise leadership.

Catherine has been very active in church, school and community events, and when asked to help with any activity, she always said “yes.”

She recently retired after 37 years of service as secretary at Red Creek Central School.

She is a much valued colleague and friend. We have worked on many projects together both for the town and Red Creek Alumni Committee over the years.

Thanks to the Victory firemen and auxiliary for their help in preparing the firehouse (set up and take down) for our Veterans Day ceremony every year and thanks to all our veterans and patriots in Victory and vicinity for their continued service to our community and country.

Beverly Sayles is the Victory

town historian