WESTFIELD – The boom of cannon fire opened a celebration in honor of Lt. Col. Alonzo H. Cushing, a Fredonia-born Civil War hero, on Saturday.

In 2014, Cushing received the highest honor bestowed on an individual by the United States, the Medal of Honor, for his efforts and ultimate sacrifice in 1863.

Cushing’s family accepted the medal on his behalf, and have since allowed the McClurg Museum, home of the Chautauqua County Historical Society, to display it. To celebrate the arrival of the medal, the McClurg Museum held a ceremony in Moore Park to commemorate the special occasion.

Cushing held a line of defense with his battery against the Confederate Army at what was called the Bloody Angle in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, despite being wounded several times, and finally succumbed to a fatal head wound. According to the Chautauqua County Historical Society, he held command of his cannons for approximately 90 minutes after his first wound. The efforts made by Cushing helped to turn the tide of the Civil War, presenting a solid defense by the Union side.

John Paul Wolfe, curator of the McClurg Museum, welcomed the crowd to the event, and introduced the panel of speakers set to address the audience.

First up to the podium was Jessica Loring, a descendent of Cushing, who told his tale in reverence.

“It is a great honor for (the family) to be here,” Loring said. “Alonzo’s actions on July 3 at the Bloody Angle were deserving of the highest award for an individual. It was the start of the end of the Confederacy.”

Loring said Cushing held the line, despite losing three cannons and several members of his battery. When told to seek medical attention, he replied, “No, I will drive back the enemy or I will die trying.”

She added that Cushing was 22 years old at his time of death.

Jordan Nicholson, representative of U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said it was a great pleasure to be in attendance. Nicholson and Schumer played a role in getting the medal to the museum after being approached by Wolfe, curator of the museum.

“This has been a highlight in my life,” Nicholson said. “I am very glad to be here.”

Nicholson then read a letter from Schumer, who was unable to attend.

“Alonzo gave the ultimate sacrifice at Gettysburg,” he read. “It’s fitting that such a piece of Chautauqua County history should be on display here, and it means a very great deal to me to be a small part of it. Today is a day for celebration.”

Sen. Cathy Young also addressed the crowd, saying she was honored to be in attendance.

“I want to give thanks to all of the veterans here today,” Young said, adding that she was deeply grateful for their service and the ultimate sacrifice veterans, such as Cushing, had made. “We heard that cannon fire earlier. Imagine that magnified by 100 times, and the reality of the battlefield.”

The battlefield, as bloody and rugged as it had been, was a place many would have run from, she said, but Cushing stood tall in the midst of it.

“Through it all, Cushing was there, and he was making that sacrifice for his country. We should never take for granted our freedoms and those who sacrifice to ensure them.”

Assemblyman Andy Goodell offered his own words on the importance of remembering such acts of courage and bravery.

“Today is a special day in Chautauqua County,” Goodell said. “We would be remiss if we didn’t recognize the thousands of Chautauqua County residents who participated in the Civil War, and the thousands who never came home. We are here to share in the thanks of a grateful nation.”

He added that Cushing was doing what he normally would have done: standing beside his comrades in the face of danger.

“His bravery was not only reflected in his actions, but also in his life,” Goodell said. “It should be no surprise that on July 3, 1863, Alonzo was putting the lives of his comrades before his own. He exhibited the type of courage and heroism that all of us aspire to.”

Vince Horrigan, county executive and veteran of the U.S. Air Force, said Cushing’s actions were a mark of valor that should be remembered.

“It’s pretty cool to be the county executive and celebrate these kinds of accomplishments,” Horrigan said. “As we speak, there are 1.5 million men and women serving around this world, and they pledge their lives to make sure America remains what it has been. All we need to see today is what is happening in Iraq with an ideology called ISIS, and thank God that we have people like Alonzo Cushing (in present day).”

Jacqueline Chiarot Phelps, representative of U.S. Rep. Tom Reed, said while it was difficult to follow Horrigan’s remarks, she would give it a try.

“God is definitely smiling on Westfield today,” Phelps said. “Alonzo was a remarkable man at 22 years old, because he stood there and said, ‘No, I am going to make a difference,’ and he did. I am so proud to be an American today.”