The Gold Star Memorial Remembrance will take place Saturday, May 27, at Veterans Memorial Park in Jamestown. Pictured is a memorial display at the park that includes a rock with a plaque honoring the fallen. Submitted photo

The Blue Star Mothers, New York Chapter 4, will host two events during the 2023 Memorial Day weekend.

On Saturday, May 27, at 10 a.m., the Blue Star Mothers will hold its annual Gold Star Memorial Remembrance at Veterans Memorial Park on West Third and Logan streets in Jamestown. A second event sponsored by the NY4 Blue Star Mothers will be the Memorial Day Lakeview Cemetery service beginning at 10:45 a.m. directly following the Jamestown parade on Monday, May 29.

As part of a yearly remembrance during the Memorial Day season, on May 27, the Blue Star Mothers will recognize the memory of all those Chautauqua County residents who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the United States as they honor the families left behind. This year, 21 fallen men and women will be honored by name.

Originally established in May 2013, the Gold Star Memorial serves as a daily visual remembrance of these heroes. This memorial display includes a rock with a plaque honoring the fallen, surrounded by annually-flowering cherry trees.

The 10 a.m. ceremony will include the presence of local dignitaries, including state Sen. George Borrello, state Assemblyman Andrew Goodell, Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel and Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist.

A Color Guard, 21-gun salute and playing of Taps will be presented by local veterans organizations. The participation of the local Patriot Guard and a bagpipe benediction will also be included in the program. Along with memorial wreaths, the ceremony will include the reading of each local hero’s name followed by a moment of silence.

Keynote speaker for this year’s memorial dedication will be state Sen. Robert Ortt, a New York Army National Guard veteran and recipient of the Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medal.

A second event sponsored by the NY4 Blue Star Mothers is the Memorial Day service at the Lakeview Cemetery. The service will include participation by the Jamestown Municipal Band conducted by Blue Star Dad Rick Lundquist, veterans organizations and auxiliaries, and several local dignitaries. The service will conclude at noon with the traditional rifle volley, Taps, raising of the American Flag, and bagpipes benediction.

Guest clergy will be the Rev. Doug Kibbe, U.S. Air Force veteran and lead pastor at the Rock Church. Speaker for the event will be Vietnam U.S. Army veteran Kameron Brooks, who served as a warrant officer helicopter pilot in Vietnam in 1968. Also participating are Wendel, Borrello and Greg Carlson, Air Force major, retired and director of Chautauqua County Veterans Service Agency. Local school students will recite In Flanders Fields and the Gettysburg Address.

The public is invited to both events. Limited seating is available, so a lawn chair and umbrella may be advisable.

For those interested in participating in the Jamestown Memorial Day Parade, register at form.jotform.com/230924299998073