The Memorial Day service was conducted by the Dunkirk Joint Veteran’s Council Monday morning at approximately 10 a.m. at Memorial Park on Lake Shore Drive East, overlooking a picturesque Lake Erie. Families of all ages and from all walks of life turned out to honor the memories of all those brave souls who fought so valiantly for the freedom of our country. A strong police presence was also covering the event, patrolling the stage, as well as the crowd around the memorial.

OBSERVER Publisher John D’Agostino emceed the ceremony, giving thanks and honoring those who’ve served our country defending our freedom, as well as those in office serving the city and town of Dunkirk.

Dunkirk Mayor Wilfred Rosas presented a speech, commending the Dunkirk Joint Veterans Council for their work setting up the annual event.

“I would like to commend the Dunkirk Joint Veterans Council, for the nice job that they do annually in hosting our Memorial Day services here in the City of Dunkirk,” he said.

OBSERVER Photo by Roger Coda. Mary Ann Boettner lays down a wreath at the Academy Street Cemetery in Westfield on Monday during a Memorial Day remembrance ceremony.

Rosas went on to say, “Memorial Day is a very significant holiday here, it’s a day that we honor those who’ve come before us and made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can enjoy the freedom that we enjoy each and every day of our life. On behalf of all of our city common council members, as well as all of our city residents, I thank you for your support in hosting this ceremony.”

Following a rousing round of applause, Rosas also took the time to recognize one of the event organizers.

“I would like to recognize someone behind the scenes there’s always somebody that’s working doing things to make sure that this event takes place,” he said. “We would like to honor someone that in my opinion deserves very much.”

Rosas went on to say, “I have brought with me a plaque, I would like to honor a very special person, and that person is Patricia Sievert. I would like to present this plaque in recognition for her dedication and commitment to the Dunkirk Joint Veteran’s Council and all of our veterans in this great city.”

Sievert accepted the plaque and spoke very emotionally about the impact Memorial Day has on all of our veterans and citizens alike.

“I’m going to take this plaque home and hang it with pride,” she said in her acceptance speech. “God Bless all of our veterans and this great country.”

The service also honored this year’s grand marshal Edward W. Long Jr.

The Memorial Day parade followed, beginning at the park at 11 a.m. and marched east on Lake Shore Drive East to Central Avenue. From Central Avenue, the parade led to the reviewing stand in front of Dunkirk City Hall before ultimately ending at Washington Park.

This year’s Parade Marshal was Jack Sievert, Commander, D.J.V.C. The 2019 Co-Parade Marshals were: Richard Makuch, Michael McGrath, Dennis Mulkin and David Dow. The 2019 Memorial Day Parade Captain was Jack Hood.