31- May-2016
On Monday-30-May the Bogota American Legion Post 117 and Bogota VFW post #5561 co-hosted their Memorial Day Remembrance ceremony. This year marks the 150th Memorial Day in the United States. On Wednesday 30 May 1866 the Village of Waterloo, NY held an event to remember the 54 residents who were killed while fighting for the Union Army in the Civil War. 45 years ago the last Monday in May was officially designated a National Holiday to remember of all US Armed Services who had lost their lives while in Defense of the Country.
The Bogota Ceremony took place in front of Borough Hall defying the chance of rain, but joining the Nation to honour the Women & Men who have died during war time. Included Sailors from the dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry LSD 43. Also in attendance were Marines from India Company 3rd Battalion 6th Marine Regiment. All were welcome by VFW Post Commander Alex Hernandez, lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Then Father Tim Graff of St. Joseph's Church gave the opening invocation. American Legion Post Commander Walter Croft thanked those to came to the ceremony and talked about a young girl had to leave her baby Sitter because men in uniform had told her something. That day the Woman were given the news of the lost of her son in Vietnam. On that day a youngster learn about the lost of a loved one, and the importance of remembering that person.
Next Al Herrmann read a poem "Etched In Stone" about the Soldiers who were not able to return form Vietnam. Bogota Mayor Chris Kelemen spoke of the Freedoms of America and that each generations needs to defend, honour, and pass on those Freedoms to the next. VFW Post Chaplin Sergio Mendez than read the names of those were are now "Absent" Leslie Baker for the VFW, assisted by Poppy Girl Meg Coppock-Huegel and Kathy Fry for the American Legion assisted by Poppy Boy Brandon Parliman place a flower for each member on a cross in front of the War Memorial. Then Bagpiper Mike Sorrentino lead Marianne Pigoncelli to place a wreath at the Memorial for POW-MIA. Ms Pigoncell was escorted by Marine LCpl Kevin Millican and Marine LCpl Roger Powell. While members of the Bogota High School band played TAPS.
The ceremony ended with Rev. Jodi Wu of Bogart Church and Pastor Peter Olsen from Trinity Church giving closing Benedictions.
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