AUBURN - Memorial Day holds a special significance for war veteran Dale Bush.
Sam Tenney / The Citizen
John Barwinczok, of the Cayuga County Chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association, salutes after placing a wreath at Veterans Memorial Park in Auburn Monday afternoon. A ceremony honoring America's fallen soldiers was held at the conclusion of the city's Memorial Day parade.
John Barwinczok, of the Cayuga County Chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association, salutes after placing a wreath at Veterans Memorial Park in Auburn Monday afternoon. A ceremony honoring America's fallen soldiers was held at the conclusion of the city's Memorial Day parade.
Bush, of Auburn, fought in the Vietnam War, a helicopter gunner and aviation electronics technician stationed in Quang Tri Province.
Sitting on Genesee Street, in Auburn, waiting for the annual Memorial Day Parade to begin, he was thinking about those he fought with that weren't fortunate enough to make it home.
“It's a time for me to think about that I served with that didn't make it back,” Bush said, who also marched in Weedsport's parade with American Legion Post 568, “that were killed over there and all the other people from other wars.”
Monday was a solemn affair for many, recalling husbands and wives, sons and daughters, nephews and nieces, friends and strangers that made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Representatives from various organizations, including Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts and the Knights of Columbus, and many more, laid about 15 wreathes at the war memorial in Veterans Memorial Park on Genesee Street. Then the bang of rifle fire and the somber melody of “Taps.”
A day of reverence of all, Memorial Day is also a chance to for people to get together, to share music, family and good times. People lined the sides of Genesee Street, from North Fulton to James streets, to watch the parade come by. Munching on food, holding balloons and swinging flags while sitting on chairs, blankets or simply standing, the crowds closed in from the first wail of an Auburn Police Department motorcycle, which led off the parade.
Music filled the air as the Purple Lancers and marching bands from Auburn High School, East Middle School and Weedsport Central School District along with the Auburn Civic Band and the bagpipes of Syracuse Kiltie passed by.
There were vehicles both vintage and new from the Auburn Police Department, Cayuga County Sheriff's Office and Auburn Fire Department that strutted their stuff while giving a little bit extra with a toot on the sirens or a honk on the horn.
Children scuttled into the road to pick up candy thrown to them by marchers.
And yet, with all the fanfare, the loudest cheers and applause came when veterans strolled by.
Serving in uniform to protect America's freedom is something Tammy and Joel Alvarado, of Auburn, believe is deeply important and will pass on to their children, the eldest of which is currently a sea cadet in the U.S. Navy.
“We're hoping that all of our children will fight for our freedoms.” Tammy said, whose father is also a vet. “We're hoping all of them will make a difference in the world.”
Staff writer Alyssa Sunkin can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 239 or alyssa.sunkin@lee.net
Sitting on Genesee Street, in Auburn, waiting for the annual Memorial Day Parade to begin, he was thinking about those he fought with that weren't fortunate enough to make it home.
“It's a time for me to think about that I served with that didn't make it back,” Bush said, who also marched in Weedsport's parade with American Legion Post 568, “that were killed over there and all the other people from other wars.”
Monday was a solemn affair for many, recalling husbands and wives, sons and daughters, nephews and nieces, friends and strangers that made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Representatives from various organizations, including Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts and the Knights of Columbus, and many more, laid about 15 wreathes at the war memorial in Veterans Memorial Park on Genesee Street. Then the bang of rifle fire and the somber melody of “Taps.”
A day of reverence of all, Memorial Day is also a chance to for people to get together, to share music, family and good times. People lined the sides of Genesee Street, from North Fulton to James streets, to watch the parade come by. Munching on food, holding balloons and swinging flags while sitting on chairs, blankets or simply standing, the crowds closed in from the first wail of an Auburn Police Department motorcycle, which led off the parade.
Music filled the air as the Purple Lancers and marching bands from Auburn High School, East Middle School and Weedsport Central School District along with the Auburn Civic Band and the bagpipes of Syracuse Kiltie passed by.
There were vehicles both vintage and new from the Auburn Police Department, Cayuga County Sheriff's Office and Auburn Fire Department that strutted their stuff while giving a little bit extra with a toot on the sirens or a honk on the horn.
Children scuttled into the road to pick up candy thrown to them by marchers.
And yet, with all the fanfare, the loudest cheers and applause came when veterans strolled by.
Serving in uniform to protect America's freedom is something Tammy and Joel Alvarado, of Auburn, believe is deeply important and will pass on to their children, the eldest of which is currently a sea cadet in the U.S. Navy.
“We're hoping that all of our children will fight for our freedoms.” Tammy said, whose father is also a vet. “We're hoping all of them will make a difference in the world.”
Staff writer Alyssa Sunkin can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 239 or alyssa.sunkin@lee.net
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