OXFORD – In the Oxford community, Memorial Day has become the most important day of recognition of our armed forces. It’s a day we remember and honor our country's heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation.
On this upcoming Memorial Day, Monday, May 29, many homes and businesses along the parade route will be decorated with American flags and red, white and blue flowers to honor veterans and active service personnel who have served or have given their lives. Several activities -including four memorial services and a parade- will take place in Oxford beginning at 8 a.m.
The Oxford American Legion’s Fort Hill Post will begin the day at 8 a.m. with the wreath laying ceremony and rifle salute at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery on West State Street.
The parade will line up at the Oxford American Legion Post # 376, at 17 South Washington Avenue. Stepping off at 9:30 a.m., the parade will be led by the Village of Oxford Police Dept (lead parade vehicle), the Post #376 Honor Guard and Rifle Squad, Legionnaires, and the Auxiliary. The parade will feature the Village of Oxford Mayor Terry Stark and the Oxford Town Supervisor Lawrence Wilcox, veterans in cars as well as the NYS Veterans' Home bus, and two ALA Poppy Princesses. As always, the parade will feature the Oxford Academy and Central High School’s color guard, and the ‘Pride of the Valley,’ the Blackhawk Marching Band. Also marching will be the Village of Oxford Fire Department and the Fire Department Explorers.
The Emergency Squad will be there with the Ambulance, as will the Preston, Brisben, and McDonough Volunteer Fire Department's trucks. The Oxford Free Masons of Lodge 175, will be marching as will youth groups: the Little League, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, OYSP, and the Oxford Community Youth Center. Joining the parade once again will be Peter Van Buiten and his antique fire truck and the beautiful Gray's Equine Services horse drawn wagon.
Along the parade route, be sure to wave to two “Miss Poppys” this year, Jillian and Jocelyn Finch, both Junior members of the Oxford American Legion Auxiliary. Red crepe paper poppies will be distributed by Oxford Auxiliary members and volunteers, in exchange for contributions to assist disabled and hospitalized veterans. Please give generously.
A salute honoring those who died at sea will be given at the Main Street Bridge (that crosses over the Chenango River). Oxford Legion’s Auxiliary president, Tahitian Tefft, will perform the wreath ceremony, tossing a memorial garland into the Chenango River, followed by a rifle salute.
