We were honored to participate in today’s Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony at St. John’s Park!
Main Street was alive with patriotic spirit as the parade stepped off, led by the American Legion Post 409 Honor Guard. Gowanda Central School District’s band kept the rhythm, the Gowanda Shrine Club gave a crowd-pleasing performance, and the Gowanda Volunteer Fire Company made a powerful entrance downtown.
The parade concluded at St. John’s Park, where the community gathered to honor the military men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. The ceremony opened with a prayer, followed by remarks from Gowanda’s new mayor, Mark Nephew. Members of the American Legion placed flags in memory of those lost in every war, the victims of the September 11th terror attacks, and those still missing in action or held as prisoners of war.
This year marked our first time participating in the parade. Before the procession began, we helped prepare St. John’s Park for the remembrance ceremony. Patriotic decorations were placed throughout the park, including in its newest feature—a half-moon bed of four Kindred Spirit Oak trees. These trees are dedicated to four U.S. Army soldiers who tragically lost their lives in a March training accident while deployed in Lithuania: Staff Sergeant (SSG) Jose Duenez, SSG Edvin Franco, Private First Class Dante Taitano, and SSG Troy Knutson-Collins
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Schichtel’s Nursery, Moore in Zoar Lawn Care, and Hae Jude Custom Signs for helping make today’s tribute possible. Your continued support means the world to us.
Happy Memorial Day, Gowanda!
