The service took place on Nov. 11 at St. Luke’s church following the outdoor ceremony held by the American Legion Ira Lou Springs Post. The outdoor portion of the ceremony took place at the corners of Third Street and Main Street. Following this service, participants marched up North Main St. to the church, where the service began at 11:11 a.m.

“St. Luke’s is proud to maintain the tradition of honoring the men and women who have served our country at this annual Veteran’s Day service,” said St. Luke’s Rector Luke Fodor. “We especially remember all who risked their lives in the defense of our nation.

We offer our appreciation to the members of the Ira Lou Spring Post #149 in sponsoring this Veterans’ Day service and are proud to join them in offering it to our community.”

At the service there were some significant guest speakers. One such speaker was former Chautauqua County Executive Vince Horrigan, who served as a United States Air Force Colonel. Following over 27 years of service to the Air Force, Horrigan would proceed to take on numerous important leadership roles within the community. Horrigan served in the county legislature, as the director of the Southwestern chapter of the American Red Cross, as county executive, and served in various charitable and volunteer capacities. Kurt Gustafson was another community leader that had spoken at the event. Gustafson served in the United States Marine Corps between 1991 and 1999, and has been a lifelong member of St. Luke’s much like his father. While in active duty, Gustafson served as a Judge Advocate in 29 Palms, C.A. and as an Officer Selection Officer in Hyattsville, M.D, where he would be named a captain. Following his service in the Marines, Gustafson would go on to work for the Chautauqua County Attorney’s Office as an Assistant Country Attorney, which he would do for 19 years before accepting a new position as the Labor Relations Specialist with Erie 2 BOCES. Gustafson currently sits as the Southwestern School Board President, serves on the Metro YMCA Board of Directors, and serves on the Camp Onyahsa Advisory Committee.

Veterans carry the American flag and the American Legion flag down the isles of the church, between participants. Photos submitted by St. Luke’s Episcopal Church

Members of the community are always welcomed, and encouraged, to join the many that attend each year to pay respects to the brave individuals that have risked their lives to serve. For more information contact stlukes@stlukesjamestown.org, or call 716-483-6405.

Veterans from the American Legion Ira Lou Springs Post arrive at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church for the memorial service. Photo submitted by St. Luke’s Episcopal Church