Lest we forget . . .

Memorial Day in Vernon was a day of rambunctious fun, quiet solemnity and honest hometown patriotism; a day of community spirit and family unity, of music and of prayer. Masses of white and blue wild phlox were blowing in the fields along the parade route, but many spectators and participants wore red poppies in honor of those who lay in Flanders' fields where poppies blow and on all the other battle fields where Americans have made the ultimate sacrifice. The parade ended at Veterans Park, where the memorial service began. "As we gather on this Memorial Day 2005, it is a time for remembering people who served and died in places like Dunkirk and Salerno, London and Paris, Midway and Pearl Harbor, Iwo Jima, the Battle of the Bulge, Okinawa and Guadalcanal, Korea, DaNang and Saigon, the Gulf and Granada, Afghanistan and Iraq," said Monsignor John Boland, pastor of St. Francis de Sales Roman Catholic Church, in his invocation. Zachary Maher, a young cellist, read his prize-winning essay, "What Service to Our Country Means to Me." His theme focused on the myriad ways in which we can serve, including through the creation of music, art and literature. The Vernon High School Band directed by Donald Magee, was splendid in cobalt blue uniforms and gold-plumed shakos. In keeping with the solemn theme of the ceremony, the band played patriotic songs. The crowd fell into hushed stillness when Kenneth Muller of VFW Post 8441 tolled the bell and read the names of deceased members Robert A. Baltz, Joseph Bush, Jr., Emil C. Keuntje, John Reilly, Jr., James Sparta and Stanley J. Wylot. Anthony Piccirillo, played "Taps" on a solo trumpet with a stunning beautiful tone, and Amy Schultz sang the "Star Spangled Banner." The Wallkill Valley Memorial Post Officers VFW color guard was composed of Commander William J. Jackson, Senior Vice Commander Robert Constantine, Junior Vice Commander Dennis Howard, Quartermaster William J. Heaney, Chaplain Sean P. Harrigan, Adjutant Donald Crane, and Officer of the Day Paul Lynch. Richard B. Patterson served as grand marshal. "Today, we celebrate the freedom we have as Americans, and remember those who died to keep us free. Young people today take freedom for granted and often do not count the cost of gaining it and keeping it," said Vernon Teacher of the Year Bob Kirchner. Monsignor Boland's words summed up the mood of the day: "This Memorial Day, 0 Lord, we ask you to help us never to be complacent about our great nation, but to treasure it. Help us, Lord, never to forget those who have lived for and those who have died for its greatness. For more photos, visit www.Advertiser-News.com.