Ken Soney of the U.S. Marine Corps is pictured.

Though not from the region, Ken Soney has an emotional Dunkirk connection.

A member of the U.S. Marine Corps, Soney was a best friend and served with Harry L. Kaus Jr. of Dunkirk. Kaus was the first Western New Yorker to be killed in action during the Vietnam War.

“Dunkirk is a very special place to me and always will be,” he said before Monday’s Memorial Day service in Memorial Park.

Soney, who first came to the city in 2002 to visit the grave of his war companion, was a special guest and part of the city services that paid tribute to the 250th year of the United States of America as well as the 60th year of the Dunkirk Joint Veterans Council.

Debra Becerra spoke of the council’s beginnings at the event. It was established in 1966 by Chairman Alvin N. Kaymore and founding fathers Michael Gregoreski, Leonard Mazany, Anthony Galardo, Harry Gould, Chester Tarnowski, Edward Cybulski, Roger Szalkowski, Harry J. Graminski and Dale Campbell.

George Burns III speaks during the Memorial Day service on Monday in Dunkirk.

Since its formation, the council has accorded military honors to all deceased veterans in the area participating in more than 1,000 services.

Jack Sievert is the current commander of the council. He has served in the position for nearly two decades.

Other speakers included Dr. David Banach, captain of the U.S. Navy retired, and George Burns III, U.S. Coast Guard retired.

Grand marshal Michael Edwards, a Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient, also spoke at the ceremony.

John D’Agostino, editor of The Post-Journal and OBSERVER, was the master of ceremonies. Following the services, thousands attended the annual Memorial Day parade that was announced by Frank Torain, Common Council member.

Dunkirk Joint Veterans Council Commander Jack Sievert is recognized during the city service.

Grand Marshal Michael Edwards, a Vietnam veteran, speaks on Monday.

The Dunkirk Marching Band participates in the parade.