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Ceremonies Pay Tribute To Those Who Gave Everything

County Executive PJ Wendel gave a speech at the Memorial Day service in Dunkirk. Photo by Natasha Matteliano

Though an abbreviated ceremony, the Dunkirk Memorial Day service honored the fallen heroes of the United States, New York, Chautauqua County and the city of Dunkirk.

“May God bless all our veterans and remember those who have sacrificed for our freedom and this great nation of ours,” said Jack Seibert, Dunkirk Joint Veterans Council commander.

The service was closed to the general public, for social distancing reasons, but those who were in attendance wore masks when they could not honor the 6 feet apart guideline.

In attendance included Dunkirk Mayor Wilfred Rosas, Dunkirk Common Council members, Dunkirk Police Chief David Ortolano, County Executive PJ Wendel, state Sen. George Borrello R-Sunset Bay, state Assemblyman Andrew Goodell, R-Jamestown, and Fredonia Mayor Douglas Essek.

“This is a Memorial Day like no other,” said John D’Agostino, master of ceremonies. “We as Americans have been battling a deadly and invisible enemy. We have all been soldiers in this unprecedented time in United States history. Our fallen heroes would be proud.”

Mayor Rosas commenced the ceremony after the National Anthem was sung. He commended the Dunkirk Joint Veterans Council for continuing to be leaders in the community and helping people remember the significance of what Memorial Day actually means.

“Our nation owes a debt that can not be repaid for those that have given their lives in the defense of our nation,” Borrello said. “We must realize that we are resilient, we must not let this current crisis threaten the greatest nation on Earth, the greatest nation that has ever existed. … We (must) honor those that gave their lives to protect our Constitution and our freedom.”

Goodell personally thanked Seibert and his council members. “We are here today honoring those who went ahead of us,” Goodell said. “Those who bravely and without hesitation have the last full measure so that this nation, under God, could have a new birth of freedom.”

Wendel talked of the history of Memorial Day.

“I can’t think of a better way (to honor those fallen) than to join together with this small group today,” Wendel said. “As I’ve driven by cemeteries in the last couple of days, we don’t see massive groups of people, but small families gathering around, remembering those who have passed.”

Honor Guard members were called to salute those who are represented in Memorial Park, including the Dunkirk Joint Veterans Council, Prisoner of War and Missing in Action, Dunkirk Barracks 1999 World War I, Korean War veterans, Vietnam veterans Chapter 459, Gulf War veterans, John T. Murray VFW Post 1017 veterans, World War II veterans, Dunkirk American Legion Memorial Post 62 veterans, Disabled American veterans Chapter 142, US Army National Guard, Dr. Ryan’s Naval Reserve, Volunteer Firemen, Dunkirk Elks Lodge 922, Dunkirk Loyal Order of Moose Chapter 89, Dunkirk Police, Daniel F. Anson Memorial, and City of Dunkirk.

To conclude the ceremony, the Color Guard performed a 21-gun salute followed by Taps.

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