CASSADAGA–Members of the Cassadaga American Legion Post No. 1280 Honor Guard paid tribute to fallen veterans on Memorial Day Monday by holding a Memorial service at 10 local cemeteries. In 1868, Commander John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic issued General Order number 11 designating May 30th as a memorial day, for the purpose of stewing flowers on graves and to decorate graves of comrades who died in the defense of their country.

The 18 men and women gathered at 7 a.m. for a breakfast at the Legion hall, cooked by Bob Cole, and then drove to the first cemetery for a Memorial Service at Pickett Corners. Past commander Bruce Kaus read to those attending the importance of the service, and chaplain Diane K. Shaw gave the opening prayer. James Hayward led the Honor Guard in a 21-gun salute. Ron Boyland played taps on the bugle, and the group proceeded to the next cemetery. The 40 mile round trip began at 8 a.m. and concluded by 10:30 a.m. These are the cemeteries where a Memorial service was held: Pickett Corners Cemetery, Charlotte Center Cemetery, Burnhams Hollow Cemetery, Christian Cemetery, Bachellor Hill Cemetery, Evergreen Cemetery in Stockton, Greenwood Cemetery, Oregon Cemetery in Centralia, Red Bird Cemetery, and concluded with the Cassadaga Cemetery.

Members of the Cassadaga Legion Ladies Auxiliary participated in all services with the flags.

Let us all remember this day to honor our heroes.