The Chautauqua Mall parking lot is pictured Monday afternoon, shortly before a drive-in Memorial Day service was held. P-J photo by Eric Tichy

LAKEWOOD — The coronavirus pandemic forced the cancellation of many Memorial Day services around the country. That did not stop area residents from recognizing fallen heroes on what turned out to be a beautiful Monday.

In Lakewood, a drive-in ceremony was held in the Chautauqua Mall parking lot. Organized by the local chapter of Blue Star Mothers and the mall, the service featured area elected officials and a guest speaker, Greg Carlson, a retired major of the U.S. Air Force who serves as the Chautauqua County Veterans Services director.

The event was broadcast on local radio and allowed residents to attend while still remaining in their vehicles. It also featured a local Color Guard, the Lakewood Fire Department, a bagpiper and bugler.

Lakewood Mayor Randy Holcomb said Monday’s event was important to recognize fallen soldiers and those currently serving in the U.S. military.

“It is important for us all to be here together today,” Holcomb said. “We all know someone who has served, or is serving, in the military, whether it be a father, a grandfather, a sister, an aunt, a son or a daughter or a family friend. By their actions, our country’s brave fighting men and women embody words like honor, courage and sacrifice. The sacrifices these veterans made in faithful service to our nation can never be adequately repaid. Today we remember them in the hope that our gratitude and admiration and love for them might live on.”

Susan Rowley, Blue Star Mothers chapter president, said she was impressed with the turnout considering how quick the event was put together. All told, organizers believe about 100 cars showed up at the mall.

Rowley thanked Kathy Collver, Blue Star Mothers chapter vice president, for making the drive-in service possible. She also recognized the mall general manager and those who spoke in recognition of the holiday.

“We just knew as military mothers that we could not see this day go by without some sort of remembrance,” she said, “and at the same time, during this pandemic, that was not an easy task.”

Phillip Wight, a Bemus Point resident and Army Air Force veteran who served in World War II, spoke directly to those currently serving in the military.

“Please, use your common sense that the Lord has given you and think, think, think,” Wight said, later adding. “My blessing and thanks to everybody here.”

State Sen. George Borrello, R-Sunset Bay, and state Assemblyman Andrew Goodell, R-Jamestown, also spoke, with both taking time to criticize the governor for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We must not let this current crisis threaten the greatest nation on Earth, the greatest nation that has every existed,” Borrello said.

Added Goodell, “I am extraordinarily proud of all of you. I am proud of this group of 10 and that group of 10 and that group of 10 and that group of 10.”

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced last week that the state would allow groups of up to 10 people take part in Memorial Day services in person. It is one of many restrictions to be eased as New York looks to reopen from the virus.

County Executive PJ Wendel remarked how different this year’s Memorial Day looked during the pandemic. He noted driving past Sunset Hill Cemetery and seeing “small, simple gatherings of family.”

“We’re not looking to kick off summer with a barbecue,” Wendel said, “but rather take time to reflect and honor those who have fallen. … So I kind of find it quite fitting that we’re here again to a simple time. When we look at one another, we embrace our relationships and we honor those who have fallen, not in parades, or sales or fabulous events, but rather simply remembering those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.”

Carlson, the guest speaker, said he was humbled and honored to be part of the Memorial Day service and thanked the Blue Star Mothers for organizing the event. He spoke of the Gold Star Families, those who have lost a loved one in military service, and those who made the “ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country and way of life. To this group, every day is Memorial Day and their recognition is so appropriate on this day of all days.”

Carlson said since the Revolutionary War, more than 1 million Americans have lost their lives while serving the country. “It’s a staggering number and one that’s just too impersonal. It doesn’t capture the hopes and dreams of each individual, of each one of these young men and women and all they gave up to preserve our great republic.”