North Tonawanda History Museum © Honoring our Servicemen

    Monday is Memorial Day, or as you may recall, Decoration Day; a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service.
Because most of us have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day, here's a little history.
    On May 5, 1868, Gen. John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, officially proclaimed Memorial Day. It was first observed May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.
    The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I.
    In 1915, Moina Michael conceived of an idea of wearing red poppies on Memorial Day in honor of those who died.
    Shortly before Memorial Day in 1922, the VFW became the first veterans' organization to nationally sell poppies.
    Since the late ‘50s, on the Thursday before Memorial Day, the 1,200 soldiers of the 3rd U.S. Infantry place small American flags at each of the more than 260,000 gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery They then patrol 24 hours a day during the weekend to ensure that each flag remains standing.
    Here's a few extra positive things we can all do for Monday's celebration.

Visit memorials.
Fly the U.S. flag.
Buy a poppy and wear it proudly.
Fly the POW/MIA Flag, if you have one.
Participate in a National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. to pause and think about the true meaning of the day.
Renew a pledge to aid the widows, widowers and orphans of our fallen dead and to aid the disabled veterans.
Attend a Memorial Day Parade.

Article: Tonawanda News - Saturday, May 29, 2004

"Watch memorial dedication at Sikora Post"

Memorial Day is a normally a solemn day to reflect honor and remember members of the armed services, who made the supreme sacrifice for the freedoms and opportunities offered in America.

This year there is a very special, once in a lifetime celebration — the dedication of the long awaited National World War II memorial in Washington, D.C. The dedication will take place at 2 p.m. May 24. This national event will be known as “National Dedication Day — A Grateful Nation Remembers.”

Knowing that many World War II veterans will not be able to travel to the nation's capital for the dedication, the National Executive Committee of the American Legion is encouraging local legions to organize a happy World War II celebration for veterans within the community and local area. At the celebration, World War II veterans will be presented certificates as a tribute to their part in World War II.

The Stephen Sikora American Legion Post l322 is honored to announce their participation in the National World War II Memorial Dedication. At this time the post extends an open invitation to members of the community, past and active servicemen, ROTC, JROTC, etc. for a celebration of service. A large screen TV in the post lounge will be utilized for the 2 p.m. national dedication ceremony. At 4 p.m. the post will present certificates to World War II veterans. You do not have to be a member of the American Legion to receive this certificate. Through this communication the legion is reaching out to those veterans in North Tonawanda, Tonawanda, Wheatfield, Amherst and remaining immediate area to present this once in a lifetime certificate. Call Post 1322 at 693-1740 and leave your particular details.

Historically this will be a shining moment. Maximum participation by citizens, elected officials, business and clergy will fulfill the national intent of this celebration.
Final ceremony details will be reported in the News.

Article: Tonawanda News - Letter to the Editor - April 15, 2004

Tribute to Our Veterans

Patriotism is obvious in the Twin Cities. Fisherman's Park in North Tonawanda is home to the nationally recognized Seabees Monument, built by the Island X8 Seabees who used to use bulldozers, like the one on display at the monument, to build airports, runways, docks, refueling stations and more in World War II. Also included at Fisherman's Park is the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial, created by the Conrad Kania Detachment of the Marine Corps League. It honors all Marines: past, present and future.

DALE S. ROGERS
VETERAN CORRESPONDENT,
POST 1322

Credit: Quote taken from MyTonawandas.com