VFW honors fallen on Memorial Day

OGDENSBURG — “Never leave anyone behind; never forget,” reminded Retired Chief George Lott of Lt. Robert A. Madden VFW Post 10152 Ogdensburg, before unveiling the tribute to their fallen comrade and fellow Vietnam Veteran PFC Robert Arthur Bulmer.
Tears rolled down cheeks during the culmination of the third Ogdensburg Memorial Day ceremony, May 29 — along with the falling rain. Bulmer received a three gun salute, “Taps,” and “Amazing Grace,” including bag pipes.
Through donations from many organizations and private citizens, the VFW Post 10152 dedicated a black, glossy memorial stone to Bulmer in the Franklin Immaculate Conception Cemetery.
Bulmer, who graduated from Franklin High School in 1965, was killed in action while on patrol in Vietnam, Aug. 14, 1968, after serving just four weeks with the 101st Airborne Division.
Lott said, “Bobby, you completed your mission; and now we have completed our mission and kept our promise. We never left anyone behind; and we will never forget. From your brothers in arms.”
Lott explained the symbolism behind the American Flag. White stripes symbolize purity of purpose, freedom of thought, expression, and worship — “They are the rights we defend against all enemies who seek to crush the way of life we all cherish;” — red stripes of courage — the willingness to die, if necessary, to preserve American ideals; blue tranquility upon which the states' stars are united, to hold intact “the desire for peace, prosperity, happiness throughout our nation.”
The tribute to Bulmer was a solemn, powerful, and important occasion, on top of the two previous solemn and important occasions which took place Memorial Day in Ogdensburg.
Earlier in the morning, a parade started from the Ogdensburg Volunteer Firehouse and continued to St. Thomas of Aquin Cemetery. There, the Franklin American Legion Post 132 honored those who served and gave their lives in service to the United States of America.
Father John P. Pilipie gave the invocation.
Eighth-grader Jason Rosien delivered the “Gettysburg Address.” Later, during the following ceremony in the Ogdensburg School Gymnasium, Meghan Fahrenfeld read “General John A. Logan's Memorial Day Order.” Rosien and Fahrenfeld were honored for excelling in History during sixth through eighth-grade.
The Franklin Band powerfully played the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” - with xylophone ringing through the air - “Taps,” and the “National Anthem.”.
The Civil War Re-enactment Color Guard, 15th N.Y. Volunteer Cavalry, Co. L., gave Sergeant Francis M. Glynn a three gun salute. Franklin resident Glynn was the first Sussex County boy to fall during WWI in France. A wreath was placed in his honor.
Due to inclement weather, the Ogdensburg VFW Post 10152 ceremony took place at the bleacher filled Ogdensburg School Gymnasium, instead of Heater's Pond, Ogdensburg Memorial Park.
Pilipie and VFW Post 10152 Chaplain Don DeVore offered more prayers.
Lott read the names of the soldiers who gave their lives in the defense of the United States of America; and he also introduced and honored World War II veterans John Hornyak and Stephen Macko.
The Ogdesnburg School Band played: “My Country 'Tis of Thee,” “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” America, the Beautiful,” “Taps,” and the “National Anthem.”
Mayor Steve Ciasullo spoke of remembering and honoring all the Ogdensburg service members who have defended America, and those who gave their lives to ensure “our freedom.”
DeVore read the current list of on duty personnel – to much applause.
Lott solemnly read the deceased VFW member list. The gym also joined in a moment of silence remembering those who had given the supreme sacrifice in Afghanistan, Iraq, and many other places in defense of “our country.”
The VFW continued the ceremony by laying: a wreathe, white flower, for purity; red flower, for tribute, devotion, and remembrance; blue flower, for eternity; and the flag.
A three-gun salute was given in honor of all who have given the ultimate sacrifice.
Lott said, “Now, one of the best parts of the morning. Please, everyone who is either a veteran or in the service at the present time, please step down over here for me, please.”
A long row of men stretched across the width of the gym.
After the long applause, Lott added, “All your neighbors. All your neighbors. Each and everyone of you, thank you for your service,” - to more applause.