NORWICH – Lt. Warren E. Eaton, DSC, American Legion Post 189-Norwich, N.Y:

Commander William Haines has announced the Memorial Day events for Monday, May 30, 2016, to honor veterans of all wars, Prisoners of War (POWs), Missing in Action (MIAs), the victims of the September 11, 2001 World Trade Center terrorist attack, the present day conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan and all active duty military personnel worldwide.

The Memorial Day activities will include a parade, guest speaker, veteran ceremonies and the traditional firearms salute, followed by Taps. In addition, there will be a tribute to disabled and senior veterans.

Starting at 10:30 a.m., participants in the Memorial Day parade will line up at the VFW, located at 61 East Main St., in Norwich. The parade will begin at 11:00 a.m. and proceed west on East and West Main Streets to the West Side Park, where veteran services will be conducted, in front of the World War II Monument. The West Side Park is located in the center of the City of Norwich, where the Chenango Court House is located.

This year's guest speaker is Christine Carnrike, Mayor of the City of Norwich. She is a 1982 graduate of Norwich High School and the proud aunt of Patrick Hart, who is currently serving with the U.S. Navy in the VP-4 squadron, deployed in Sicily, Italy.

Parade participants will include: the Norwich City Police and Fire Departments; the Chenango County Sheriff’s Department; the Norwich High School (NHS) Marching Band; American Legion Post 189; American Legion Auxiliary; Sons of the American Legion; American Legion Riders; VFW Post 2782; VFW Auxiliary; Boy Scouts; Cub Scouts; Girl Scouts; Brownies; Patriot Guard Riders and disabled and senior veterans. The National Anthem will be sung by the NHS Madrigal Chorus, with the “echo” taps to be played by trumpeters from the NHS marching band.

Following the conclusion of the Memorial Day ceremonies, the Honor Guards from the American Legion and VFW Posts will conduct military services at the Mount Hope and St. Paul's cemeteries for veterans buried there. A floating wreath will be placed in the Canasawacta Creek in memory of those lost at sea. The American Legion will host a light lunch, where refreshments will be served, at Legion Home, located at 29 Sheldon St., in Norwich.

The annual dignified and respectful disposal of unserviceable American and State flags will be conducted at a future date.

Memorial Day Itinerary

May 30, 2016

Lt. Warren E. Eaton, DSC – American Legion Post 189, Norwich, NY

10:30 a.m. - Parade participants line up outside VFW on East Main St.

11:00 a.m. - Parade starts.

11:15 a.m. - Parade arrives at West Side Park for start of veterans program.

PROGRAM:

Master of Ceremonies: Frank Revoir, Past Commander, Post 189

Invocation: Pastor Ken Fallon, Post 189 – Sons of the American Legion

National Anthem: NHS Mardigal Chorus – Mary Williams, Director

Guests: Introduction of any special guest(s)

Speakers:

1. Frank Revoir, Past Commander, American Legion Post 189

Memorial Day 2014 – A tribute to veterans of all war

Guest Speaker Introduction: Christine Carnrike, Mayor, City of Norwich.

Memorial Wreath Presentations:

Prior to the start of today's program, a wreath, in honor of World War I veterans, representing both the American Legion and VFW Posts, was placed in front of the World War I monument, located in the East Side Park, directly across the street. Following today;s program, the American Legion will conduct a memorial service at Mt. Hope cemetery for veterans buried there. The VFW will also conduct a memorial service at St. Paul's cemetery for veterans buried there, including Christie Rcok, after whom the VFW Post is named. In memory of vetarns lost at sea, a floating wreath will be placed in the Canasawacta Creek. The wreaths, which will now be presented in memory of deceased veterans, will be placed by personnel from veteran and civic organizations in front of the World War II monument.

In Memory of:

World War II veterans – American Legion Post 189 – Bill Haines, Commander

World War II veterans – VFW Post 2782 – Acting Commander

World War II veterans – American Legion Auxiliary – Mary Lou McAvoy, President

World War II veterans – VFW Auxiliary – President

World War II veterans – Sons of the American Legion – Keith Flood, President

World War II veterans – American Legion Riders, Post 189 – Paul Russo, President

World War II veterans – City of Norwich – Mayor Christine Carnrike

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE

May 30, 2016

Participants Order of March

Lt. Warren E. Eaton, DSC – American Legion Post 189, Norwich, NY