Veterans Day tribute returns to Falconer
From left to right, Sally Jaroszynski, Falconer Mayor James Jaroszynski, and Lt. Col. Ellen Maternowski, commander of the Jamestown Composite Squadron 402 of the United States Air Force Reserve, Civil Air Patrol, were honored with challenge coins by representatives from the Falconer American Legion during a Veterans Day ceremony at Davis Park on Wednesday. This recognition acknowledges their ongoing support for military veterans within the community. P-J photo by Christopher Blakeslee
Cadets with the United States Air Force Reserve, Civil Air Patrol Jamestown Composite Squadron 402 provide the color guard for ‘Old Glory’ at a Veterans Day service ceremony, held at Davis Park, Falconer, on Wednesday. P-J photo by Christopher Blakeslee
From left to right, Sally Jaroszynski, Falconer Mayor James Jaroszynski, and Lt. Col. Ellen Maternowski, commander of the Jamestown Composite Squadron 402 of the United States Air Force Reserve, Civil Air Patrol, were honored with challenge coins by representatives from the Falconer American Legion during a Veterans Day ceremony at Davis Park on Wednesday. This recognition acknowledges their ongoing support for military veterans within the community. P-J photo by Christopher Blakeslee
Cadets with the United States Air Force Reserve, Civil Air Patrol Jamestown Composite Squadron 402 provide the color guard for ‘Old Glory’ at a Veterans Day service ceremony, held at Davis Park, Falconer, on Wednesday. P-J photo by Christopher Blakeslee
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FALCONER – The Village of Falconer hosted a Veterans Day Observance ceremony after a three-year hiatus.
Falconer Mayor James M. Jaroszynski officiated the event at Davis Park, located between North Phetteplace Street and Aldren Avenue, beginning at 11 a.m. Wednesday.
"We haven't held a Veterans Day service in about three years," said Jaroszynski. "It is important to me, the Village Board of Trustees, and our residents to honor the sacrifices and services that our veterans -- both residents and neighbors -- have provided to our nation."
After the national anthem and the presentation of colors by the United States Air Force Reserve, Civil Air Patrol Jamestown Composite Squadron 402, the mayor delivered the opening remarks to about 50 or so spectators.
"On behalf of the Village of Falconer, I want to welcome you and thank you for joining us today as we gather to honor the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces," he said. "Veterans Day is a special opportunity for us to pause, reflect, and recognize those who have answered our nation's call to serve. It is a day to say thank you to the men and women who have worn our nation's uniform and who have made sacrifices, both seen and unseen, to protect the freedoms we enjoy every day."
After Jaroszynski finished his remarks, the event continued with the posting of colors, remarks by two guest speakers, the playing of “Taps,” and the laying of a memorial wreath.
According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (va.gov), Taps is a solemn 24-note bugle and trumpet call used by the United States Armed Forces to signal the end of the day, honor fallen service members at military funerals, and mark national memorial ceremonies; Congress designated "Taps" as the nation's official "Song of Remembrance" in the 2013 Defense Authorization Act; the playing of taps was first used as a grave-side substitute for three rifle volleys by Captain John Tidball in 1862 to avoid alerting nearby enemy forces during a memorial service.
Additionally, wreath-laying ceremonies date back to the 7th century, when circular wreaths crafted from olive, laurel, oak, or wild herbs were used as declarations of status, victory, leadership and achievement. Today, circular wreaths represent eternity, continuity, and the unbroken circle of life and memory – resite-studio.
"God bless our veterans, God bless the families who stand beside them, and God bless the United States of America," concluded Jaroszynski. "Thank you, and happy Veterans Day."