American Patriot Service

The Ontario District recently held its sixth “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.  Capt. Thomas Kanaley, SC, USNR (ret), presented the oration. He is also a PER and current ER from Syracuse Elks Lodge No.31.    Catherine and Patricia Commisso 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. 

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.  Nine WWII veterans received a medal honoring their service. 

            John Canale             US Army, SSgt.

            Henry Dewey            US Army, SSgt.

            Gary DuBois             US Marine Corps, Cpl.                               

            Angelo Favata          US Army, Cpl.

            John Fultz                 US Army, Pvt.

            Traver Knight           US Army

            John Saltalamachia US Seabees, 2^nd class Boatsman Mate

            Frank Terminella      US Navy, Seaman 2^nd Class

            Joseph Tuso             US Navy, Seaman 2^nd Class

           

           

           

Fritz Allen, Cpl. USMC and Capt. Thomas Kanaley, SC, USNR 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 1^st 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.