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• Saturday, July 04, 2015

  Abundance of Legion Family Spirit on Independence Day

  Legionnaires and their families spent the Fourth of July  in a number of family-oriented and patriotic endeavers, including coming out for community parades.

  In Utica, like cities across the state, Legion members, spouses, children and grandchildren were out in force for the city’s 4th of July Parade.

  Oeida County Sheriff Rob Maciol was grand marshal.

  Utica Police led the marching contingents and were out in force providing security with officers on foot, motorcycles, bicycles and squad cars.

  

  WWII vet and Legionnaire Phil Capraro rides in the parade with his wife. Photos / Bob Stronach
  

  Utica Post 229 Legionnaire Phil Capraro was one of the featured guests, riding in a car proclaiming him as a thrice-wounded World War II combat vet with three Purple Hearts.

   

  

  Korean War Legionnaires Joe White (left) and Stan Grimaldi with Army vet Peter Potasiewicz of Utica PD.

  Two Korean War Army and Air Force veterans — Joe White of New Hartford Post 1376 and Stan Grimaldi of Whitesboro Post 1113 — took the opportunity to chat with a more recent Army vet, Utica Police Offficer Peter Potasiewicz, who was patrolling the parade route on bicycle.

   

  

  Legionnaire Jeff Pexton and wife Raechele cheered on the marching units.

  Another Whitestown Post member, Jeff Pexton, was there with wife Raechele, cheering on the parade participants.

   

   

  

  Legionnaire John Johncox and wife Debbie enjoyed the parade with their daughter and grandchildren.

  New Hartford Post 1376 member John Johncox and wife Debbie were showing their appreciation of flag and country with grandchildren Chole and Caleb Clairmont.

   

  

  Legionnaire Mike Mercoldie with wife Dolores and flag-waving granddaughters, Christina and Autumn.

  Similarly, Lee Legion Post 1794 member Mike Mercoldie and wife Dolores were with their flag-waving granddaughters, Christina and Autumn, who were visiting from Tampa, Florida.