“It makes me proud to know that I represent a community that has organizations with members who actually understand the significance of what Memorial Day means,” said Dunkirk Mayor Wilfred Rosas. “Today is the day we remember those brave men and women who came before us and gave the ultimate sacrifice so we could enjoy every day of our lives.”

Among the many veterans who gathered for the ceremony in Dunkirk were speakers Dr. David Banach, a retired member of the Navy, and George Burns III, a retired Coast Guard member. Banach acknowledged how different things look this year compared to last year, but how familiar it seemed.

“Memorial Day has taken a far different look from years past due to COVID-19,” Banach said. “Activities are radically altered. But still we gather in person and by telecast to hold on to some semblance of what we know to be important about this date.”

Banach continued on how Memorial Day is a day of celebration for some, but for others, the day holds a much different tone. Memorial Day is a solemn, reverent day, according to Banach, and people should take the time to remember those who gave their lives for the United States.

Mayor Rosas delivers his speech. OBSERVER Photo by Anthony Dolce

“For some, Memorial Day is the official start of summer,” Banach said. “It’s for barbecues, and family gatherings. But for other families, it’s a painful day that reminds us of our past loss. For those who have not returned, we are here for them to remember their sacrifice.”

Burns followed Banach’s speech with a recent story about how he attended his nephew’s recent graduation from the United States Naval Academy. His nephew, Ryan, now a second lieutenant of the Marines, is a Fredonia native and graduate of St. Francis High School. Burns presented his nephew with a bayonet, used by Burns’ father, George Burns Jr. during the last raid in Germany during World War II.

“This is not a collector’s item to be displayed on your mother’s shelf,” Burns said. “Your grandfather carried this into battle, I am giving you this to be part of your combat loadout.”

While then speaking about a deceased soldier from Mayville, Burns mentioned what the act of military sacrifice actually means, and why it is so important to remember those who gave their lives.

“We speak of sacrifice, and ultimate sacrifice, and those are good words,” Burns said. “But sometimes I think we need to understand the humanity of the over 2,000 men from this county who have lost their lives from the War of 1812 to the present.”

The lowering of the colors, with CW2 Paul Dustin JROTC 1SG Xavier Whitehead JROTC. OBSERVER Photo by Anthony Dolce

This year marked the 55th year of the Dunkirk Joint Veteran Council. Attorney Debora Becerra, whose father helped found the Council, said that the group has nearly disbanded a few times recently due to lack of members, but has been kept alive on the principals of what it was founded on.

“Fifty-five years ago, my father was troubled by the fact that there were not always local funerals available for local military members,” Becerra said. “He felt strongly that it was our duty and obligation to make sure all deceased veterans receive proper recognition for their service. We ultimately decided what a loss to the community it would be.”

A common theme shared by both Rosas and Banach during their speeches was about how Memorial Day is not a day of politics. It’s a day to celebrate freedom and remember those who lost their lives fighting for it.

“It matters not whether you’re from a red state or a blue state, a Republican or Democrat,” Banach said. “On this day we remember as Americans.”

“Among those freedoms are the freedoms of one’s opinion, either for or against your government, without having any retaliation,” Rosas said. “These are freedoms our fallen heroes fought for.”

Dr. David Banach delivers his speech. OBSERVER Photo by Anthony Dolce

Following the speeches, the service continued with the placing of the wreaths ceremonies, where various veterans and dignitaries gave a salute to honor various groups of war veterans, as well as prisoners of war, and those missing in action. The ceremony was completed with the firing squad led by DJVC Honor Guard commander Edziu Kaus, Taps performed by Barney Kuzara, and the Benediction from Holy Trinity Church Rev. Daniel P. Walsh.