Florida celebrates ‘the love of liberty'

Florida - The Memorial Day services in the Village of Florida always seem to bring out new faces, together with fresh ideas. The traditional theme of honoring the fallen service men and women of all wars remains the priority. As in years past the Memorial Day activities started weeks ago with the placing of American flags by the members of American Legion Post #1250 at the graves of all deceased veterans. In Florida that includes the historic Florida Cemetery, St. Joseph’s Cemetery and the Jewish Cemetery. At noon on Memorial Day, under blues skies and rising temperatures, a Memorial Mass was offered at St. Joseph’s Cemetery by the Rev. Joseph Tokarczyk, pastor of St. Joseph’s Parish. “We remember and pray and honor all those who have fallen,” Tokarczyk said in his homily. “They answered the call with pride and died with honor. Love of liberty exceeds love of life.” A brief ceremony was also held by the American Legion at the neighboring Jewish Cemetery. At 2 p.m. the traditional parade stepped off from the Village Hall, proceeded down North Main Street and back. A somber wreath-laying ceremony was also held at the non-traditional but inspiring Veterans’ Memorial. Appropriate music was played by the Chester Academy band led by band director and teacher Tom Venable. That band also provided excellent marching music as well as music at the Florida Cemetery. The marchers, which included village, town and county officials, then continued to the Florida Cemetery on Bridge Street. There a long list of guests who spoke honoring the deceased veterans. U.S. Rep. Sue Kelly led the group which also included County Clerk Donna Benson, County Legislator Michael Pillmeier, Town of Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton and Village of Florida Mayor James Pawliczek. Another rifle salute concluded the ceremonies. As the smoke and odor of gunpowder drifted through the ancient maples, Bonnie Ames of the Florida Fire Department played the final sobering “Taps.” American Legion Commander James L. Sosler, who was host for the day, thanked all those who attended and invited everyone to the fire station where the Florida Fire Department and Rescue Squad served free refreshments. Call it traditional, but it’s a tradition worth keeping.