Ontario District American Patriot Ceremony

The Ontario District recently held its eighth “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 #31, Oswego Lodge #271, Auburn Lodge #474, Fulton Lodge #830, Liverpool Lodge #2348 and Camillus lodge #2367 and are located in Cayuga, Onondaga and Oswego Counties. Each of the Officers participating in this ceremony are themselves service veterans. George Hoffman, US Navy, 2nd Class Radioman, presented the oration. Lisa DuBois 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 an American Patriot, Alexandria Natasha Delacruz, US Navy, DCM Fireman 2nd Class, USS Arlington who died as a result of the Iraqi/Iran conflict.  We also gather to pay tribute to the families of our service men and women who have served our country. A candle was lite in her memory as well as the American Patriots who had been honored at this ceremony since 2012. They honored 9 WWII Veterans and 9 Korean War Veterans.  Candles were lit in honor of all above as well as one candle was lit in respect and honor of all World War II veterans.  The last candle was in honor of all Veterans who have of served the United State of America.  United States of America. 
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.”