The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
‘Sacred holiday’
Madison County marks Memorial Day with solemn ceremony
While children played at the nearby park, family, friends and community came together Saturday at the Madison County War Veterans Memorial to remember those no longer with themand who fought to give those children the right to play — carefree.
“Memorial Day reminds us that without patriotism, we’d have no heroes today,” said Carl Griffith, U.S. Navy electricians mate first class. “It is our most sacred holiday. We should not ponder with sad thoughts at the passing of our heroes, but rather ponder their legacy and the lives they made for us with their commitment and their pain.”
Griffith spoke to a crowd of
more than 70 people at the county’s Memorial Day services. Griffith joined the National Guard in 1957 and then the U.S. Navy in 1959, serving for 22 years. He has been a member of the American Legion Post 54 in Munnsville since 1978.
The WAVEM Committee normally holds this event every May 30 to honor and remember all veterans, but was asked by Madison County to open the courthouse renovation celebration with their Memorial Day service.
“Thank you, for all of our veterans,” said Madison County Supervisor Chairman John Becker. “When we thought about the courthouse, we think about America. The courthouse is the center of the county and brings us all together as a community.”
Becker said the courthouse symbolizes disputes, justice and community. “If it wasn’t for our veterans, we’d have none of that,” Becker said.
One of the newest additions added to the Madison County War Veterans Memorial since the construction is a multi-sided pillar, with one side dedicated to those lost in the War on Terror from Madison County: Lance Corporal Jeremy S. Lasher, United States Marine Corp; and Sergeant Edward H. Bolen, U.S. Army.
“We’re all proud and happy for the new memorial for our two fallen heroes,” WAVEM President Doug Ginney said. “They’re heroes, along with all the rest of them behind me.”
As with years past, three fifth grade students were chosen to read their essays about how despite differences, America comes together as one and is stronger because of it.
“The diversity, opportunity and freedom make me proud of America,” said Jasmine Kahler, of Seneca Street Elementary. “There are many different types of people, food, dances and songs. There are wide ranges of traditions from different cultures you can learn about. I enjoy having so many diverse friends I can learn from.”
“Because of its nationalism, America is a country worth being proud of,” said Emily Bodnar, of Durhamville Elementary. “Nationalismcan often tear countries apart, but ours is brought together by it. America is made of many different ethnicities and religions, but we all come together to form a common culture. Together, we make America stronger by celebrating traditions despite our differences.”
“Are you proud of America? I sure am,” said Nathanyel Lumbazo, of Willard Prior Elementary. “First, we have the right to vote and choose who we think is going to be a responsible leader for our country or state. Americans have a big responsibility in choosing who will ensure we are safe and healthy. We are a free country. We many other rights than to vote. Like freedom of religion, freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.”
Griffith said the community honors and remembers those who have fallen and are indebted to them.
“The call to defend freedom came,” Griffith said. “And they answered.”