Memorial Day: A tribute for heroes

TRI-COUNTY AREA—Members of the community gathered on Memorial Day, this past Monday, May 27, to honor the sacrifices made by service members. Penn Yan, Dundee, Torrey, Watkins Glen, Montour Falls, and Odessa all held services.

Vietnam veteran Herb Snyder was the master of ceremonies at Penn Yan’s service on the Yates County Courthouse lawn. He discussed the importance of remembering those who died in service to their country, most notably those who fell in combat.
People lined the streets in Dundee for the annual parade. A service was held afterwards at the Seneca Street Park. Steve Wheeler spoke about the 150 anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. Robert Schwarting spoke during Torrey's ceremony at the Dresden United Methodist Church.
Watkins Glen held two serves (at the lake shore and on the Schuyler County Courthouse lawn) and a parade. Lewis M. Withiam, a retired Marine Corps. colonel was the highlighted speaker.
Montour Falls honored the fallen with a ceremony at She-Qua-Ga Falls. Glenn Bleiler, a 1985 Odessa-Montour graduate who served seven years in the U.S. Navy, said the contributions made by service members are "innumerable." He added each year people need to remember why Memorial Day is held. Lt. Col. Reg Ameele, retired from the U.S. Air Force, was the featured speaker at Schuyler County Veterans Memorial Park in Odessa.