Warwick honors its veterans
WARWICK — It may not have been beach weather on Monday, May 27, but with temperatures in the low 70s and clear blue skies it was perfect for hundreds of members of veterans’ groups, their guests and other organizations participating in the annual Memorial Day ceremonies.
After the traditional parade down Main Street, numerous groups and guests joined the veterans in ceremonies held at Warwick Cemetery, St. Stephen’s Cemetery and Veterans Memorial Park.
The grand marshals for this year were Navy veterans Gene and Ann White.
Members of Warwick’s well-known Stewart family of military servicemen marched with the color guard followed by local officials, veterans and other organizations.
At Warwick Cemetery, American Legion Post 214 Vice Commander Laura Smykla introduced state Sen. John Bonacic, Mayor Michael Newhard and Town of Warwick Justice Peter Barlet,who among other dignitaries were on hand to pay tribute to the fallen heroes of all the wars America has fought.
Comrades lost in the last year
The ceremonies began with an invocation by American Legion Post 214 Chaplain Bob Ritzer. Then, in a quiet and touching moment, he read the names of 49 comrades who had past away since last year’s ceremonies.
Eagle Scout Liam Brown read President Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address and Girl Scout Victoria Jarloch related the history of playing TAPS.
“We may not remember their names,” Bonacic, the state senator, said, “but it’s important we remember their sacrifices.”
Warwick’s mayor paid tribute to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and thanked all the veterans for service to their country.
“They were here for us,” Newhard said, “and it’s meaningful we are here for them.”
Barlet began by recalling how his own parents, both WW II veterans, had participated in Memorial Day ceremonies.
“At its most basic level,” he said, “Memorial Day is a time for all of us to pay our respects as a nation to those who died defending our country. There can be no higher sacrifice made and there can be no higher honor owed.”
Regards from Albany
Vice Commander Smykla conveyed a message from Gold Star Mother and Widow Carolyn Lesando, who had the longtime honor of laying the wreath at the Legion’s monument every year. She is now living with her daughter in the Albany area and she sent her best wishes while expressing regrets that she could not be at the ceremony.
Past American Legion Post 214 Commander Walter Parkinson continued a tradition he began several years ago by walking over to the youngsters, scouts and scout leaders gathered in the cemetery to impress upon them the importance of remembering our veterans.
“You will be the leaders of tomorrow,” he said, “You must insure that all veterans are afforded the benefits and respect they earned.”
VFW Post 4662 services, conducted by Commander Buddy Cooke, began with an invocation by VFW Chaplain Clayton Eurich followed by the laying of wreaths at the VFW monument.
The ceremonies at Warwick Cemetery were followed by services at St. Stephen’s Cemetery, conducted by Father Michael McLoughlin, pastor of the Church of St. Stephen, the First Martyr.
The parade then continued down Forester Avenue to the Firemen’s Monument at Veterans Memorial Park where members of the Warwick Volunteer Fire Department conducted a memorial service and invocation by a Fire Department Chaplain Barry O’Neil.
By Roger Gavan