Veterans remembered

May 30-- May 30--With a backdrop of U.S. Flags decorating the graves of fallen military heroes, Corning's veterans groups hosted Monday's Memorial Day Ceremony at Sunset Hills Cemetery. Although this year's attendance was less than usual, the feeling of honored remembrance was just as deeply tangible as ever.

"Today is about Memorial Day, not about barbecues or going to the lake," said Mike Taylor of the David L. Blanchard, VFW Post No. 4218, who served as the event's master of ceremonies. "Today is about all of these flags out here on display at this cemetery. Flags placed at the headstones of our fallen soldiers and veterans."

He went on to say, "We are here today because each one of these men and women signed up and were willing to do so, to sacrifice, to give all they had for you and me to live free in our great nation."

This year's Memorial Day keynote speaker was David Price, a member of American Legion Raisner Post No. 45.

"Thank you all for taking time today to stand with us in recognition and honor of all those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to this nation," he said. "They still speak to us. The veterans buried here.

"If you listen quietly you can hear them. You remember their voices from conversations you had before they gave their last measure of devotion to this nation. Even if you are not a family member, as battle buddy, friend or relative of a fallen hero, all you have to do is look around you and you will see their legacy.

"It is us. Americans gathered in a free society, unified with the common purpose of honoring uncommon bravery. We are their legacy."

Price went on to talk about the two brothers, William and Charles Raisner, for whom the local American Legion Post in named. Both were killed while serving their country in World War I. The brothers remains are buried at Sunset Hills Cemetery.

"A century ago these brothers answered their country's call to arms," Price said. "The heroes that we remember today are not exclusive to any gender, race or religion. They are a diverse group wedded to the common principle that America is a nation worth dying for."

The ceremony opened with an invocation by Post Chaplain Dennis Wyman, followed by the Presentation of Colors by American Legion Raisner Post 45 and the Linda Davis singing, America the Beautiful.

Ethan Graham of Boy Scout Troop 5 who led the assembled crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, and under the direction of Adriana Jimenez the Corning High School Cardinal Band performed a "Patriotic Salute." Later in the ceremony the band also performed Battle Hymn of the Republic and Salute to America's Finest. Member of the band, Malcolm anOlkeriil performed Taps.

Taylor recited the poem World War I poem, In Flanders Fields, by John McCrae.

The ceremony ended with members of local cub and boy scouts laying Memorial Wreaths for U.S. wars from the Civil War to Iraqi Freedom, a rifle salute by the Corning Veteran Honor Guard and a closing prayer by Wyman.

Taylor invited everyone in attendance to the Corning Veterans Memorial Hall for a tri-tip luncheon.

He also thanked those who took part in the program, such as the Corning Volunteer Fire Department which displayed its large flag for the ceremony, and those who provided gifts for the luncheons raffle.

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