Representatives from the Historical Society of Dunkirk, Dunkirk Library, Dunkirk Lighthouse and Veterans Park Museum, Revitalize Dunkirk and the Darwin R. Barker LIbrary and Historical Museum decided they wanted to honor the veterans from all 42 municipalities in Chautauqua County at this year’s Memorial Day Parade in Dunkirk by forming a student marching group.

They received over more than 100 responses– 32 student marchers from Dunkirk High School, 50 student and adult marchers from School 3, 22 student and adult marchers from the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Chautauquqa County, two Fredonia students, one Cherry Creek student, and one Sheridan student who attend St. Francis High School in Hamburg. Their t-shirts will read “Honoring All Veterans from Chautauqua County” on the front with a Chautauqua County map on the back the 42 municipalities.

The sponsoring organizations are hoping this effort becomes an annual part of the parade.