The
Ontario District recently held its fifth “American Patriot Remembrance” Ceremony. It was a brief yet reverent ceremony to
convey the appreciation of Elks who are members of the six lodges that compromise
the Ontario District. The six lodges in
the Ontario District are Syracuse Lodge No. 31, Oswego Lodge No. 271, Auburn
Lodge No. 474, Fulton Lodge No. 830, Liverpool Lodge No. 2348 and Camillus
lodge No. 2367 and are located in Cayuga, Onondaga and Oswego Counties. Each of
the Officers participating in this ceremony are themselves service veterans. Lt. Col. US Air Force, Ret. Fred Bullard, presented
the oration. Denise, Kevin and Tim O’Connor
presented musical selections. Emily and Cory King played echo taps
to close out the ceremony.
Members
of the Ontario District gathered to honor the memory of fourteen American
Patriots who died as a result of the Iraqi and Afghanistan Wars, American
Patriots who died serving our country during World War II and all other
American Patriots who died in our other wars.
We also gather to pay tribute to the families of our service men and
women have served our country.
Retired
Lieutenant Colonel Fred Bullard, of the United States Air Force was a pilot
during the Viet Nam War during which he flew over 90 missions. He is also a Past Exalted Ruler of Oswego
Lodge No. 271. He spoke of some
experiences during that time.
It
has been over 70 years since World War II ended, yet the memories of that war
continue to linger within the minds of those who served our country and by
their family and friends. At that time,
communication was not instantaneous as it is today and the fate of those who
died or who were injured was many times unknown for weeks and months. Those who served, did so with courage and why
they are referred to as the “Greatest Generation.” The Ontario District of the New York State
Elks Association remembered our World War II veterans. Twelve WWII veterans received a medal
honoring their service.
John Bougor, US National Guard, TS
Ralph DiAmico, US Army Air Corp, Sgt.
Jean Disinger, US Navy, Hospital Corpsman 1st Class
Howard Hall, US Arny, Corporal
George Heffernan, US Navy, Seaman 1st Class
Charles Josh, US Army, Sgt.
William Joyce, US Navy Corpsman
Paul Riordan, US Navy, Boatswain Mate 3rd Class
Joseph Sandore, US Navy, Seaman 2nd Class
Nick Sterio, US Army, Corporal, Air Corp
Robert Stone, US Navy, Electrician Technical Mate, 1st
Class
James Sullivan, US Army, Corporal
Fritz
Allen, Cpl. USMC and Harry Hewitt E3 Seaman, USN folded the American flag. The flag was placed upon the altar.
The names
our American Patriots of the Iraqi and Afghanistan Wars were called and a
candle was lite in their memory.
Sergeant Jerry Bell, United
States Marine Corps
Corporal Bobby Callahan, United
States Army
Private First Class Patrick Devoe, United States Army
Corporal Kyle Schneider, United
States Marines
Specialist Kenneth Haines, United
States Army
Senior Airman Dennis Malone, United States Air Force
Sergeant First Class Daniel
Metcalfe, United States
Army
Keith Ochsner, United
States Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Francis Phillips IV, United
States Army
Staff Sergeant Steven Reynolds, United
States Army
Specialist Kyle Rookey, United States Army
Sergeant Christopher Simpson, United States Army
Petty Officer 1st Class
Joshua Smith, United
States Navy
Lieutenant Nathan Williams, United States
Navy
One
candle was lit in respect and honor of all World War II veterans.
The last
candle will be lit to honor all American Veterans who have served the United
States of America.
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| Pictured are members of the Ontario District saluting the WWII veterans as they receive their medals. |
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| Pictured Don Fittapaldi presenting medals to the WWII Veterans. |
Submitted by BPOE 271 2016_06_15
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