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Tuesday, June 01, 2021
Legionnaires Out in Force for Memorial Day Observances
Legionnaires Ed Jackson and Shawn McLennan render salutes during ceremonies in Utica.
More and more American Legion Posts across the state were able to return to Memorial Day traditions as pandemic restrictions eased.
Utica Post Commander Bill Sequin
In Utica, for example, Utica Post 229 Commander Bill Sequin and his Legionnaires led a pilgrimage of wreath-laying at eight war memorials around the city, joined by the Vietnam Veterans of America and the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Along the way, Utica Mayor Robert M. Palmieri and Congresswoman Claudia Tenney joined the tribute.
Larry Reilly
In Briarcliff Manor, members of American Legion Post 1054 not only gave tribute to service men and women who gave their all, but also honored long-time Post Commander Lawrence I. Reilly with a surprise presentation of a Commander’s Plaque and a “Paid-Up-For-Life” membership. Reilly is a 47-year member of the post and is in his 26th year as commander, Treasurer Mike Motta reported. ” In addition to his service to the American Legion, Larry has been a Chief, Deputy Chief, and top-responder for the Briarcliff Manor Fire Department.”
Not only did the annual American Legion Memorial Day Ceremony return to Boulevard Gardens, Woodside, Queens after a one-year hiatus due to COVID-19, but it also included honors for Vietnam vet Robert C. Piazza.
Robert C. Piazza
American Legion Post 1836 Commander Alan Armand Feuer reminded the audience that the zip code within Boulevard Gardens lost more soldiers than any other zip code across the country during the Vietnam War. “As we observe Memorial Day every year, families remember their fallen loved ones every day,” Feuer noted. “Children without parents, gold star mothers and fathers, spouses and siblings – they can still hear the voices of those that they lost. And it is up to us, to hear these families, offer support and express our highest gratitude”. read more »
