Before parade, city pays tribute at services
OBSERVER Photos Pictured are Dunkirk High School marching band members participating in the parade.
Pictured are Leslie Morrison, right, a World War II veteran, accepting the grand marshal certificate from Jack Hood, adjutant of the Dunkirk Joint Veterans Council.
The photo shows Members of the Dunkirk Elks Club carrying the large flag on Central Avenue.
Shown in this photo are Sons of Liberty members riding their motorcycles during the parade.
OBSERVER Photos Pictured are Dunkirk High School marching band members participating in the parade.
Pictured are Leslie Morrison, right, a World War II veteran, accepting the grand marshal certificate from Jack Hood, adjutant of the Dunkirk Joint Veterans Council.
The photo shows Members of the Dunkirk Elks Club carrying the large flag on Central Avenue.
Shown in this photo are Sons of Liberty members riding their motorcycles during the parade.
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OBSERVER Staff Report
An 11 a.m. parade in Dunkirk had the city in celebration mode. But only an hour earlier, was it a bit more somber.
Memorial Day services were held at the Dunkirk Lighthouse and Memorial Park earlier in the morning. Speakers at both services mentioned how precious the freedoms of America are — and they came with supreme sacrifices.
“We have to ensure that future generations understand the importance of honor, service, sacrifice,” said Dr. David Banach, U.S. Navy captain retired during the city service.
George Burns III, U.S. Coast Guard retired, told those in attendance that choosing who serves our communities and countries remain important decisions regarding the country’s future.
“Ultimately, they are who create the conditions and circumstances that may lead our precious children to the horrors and death of war,” he said. “We must endeavor to speak, seek and not obscure truth.”
Grand marshal for the services and parade was Leslie Morrison, a Fredonia resident, who served in World War II. The 99-year-old was touched and full of gratitude to the Dunkirk Joint Veterans Council for the honor.