LeRoy Pennysaver & News

LE ROY PENNYSAVER & NEWS - NOVEMBER 18, 2018 On Trigon Park by Lynne Belluscio I met Bonnie Conniber at Trigon Park a little after 9 and we started to set out flags – 12 for World War 1 and 31 for World War II - -for those who had died. Then we set about putting out 270 poppies, each with a white ribbon with the name of someone who had served during the War to End All Wars. I told Bonnie about a post I had read from Gregory Reinhart in Paris. He had post- ed a note about the ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe and then a story about his grandfather, William Zillman, who had served in the heavy artillery of the 87th Division in France. He returned home a month after his daughter, (Greg’s mother ) was born. She now lives in the Vil- lage Green in LeRoy. William Zillman was born in LeRoy in 1892 and he refused to ever talk about the war. I texted Greg, and said that we would put his grandfather’s name on a ribbon and tie it to a poppy and place it at the monument #271. Bon- nie was more than happy to make sure that happened, af- ter all, as she said, “I went to school with Greg.” And so, the day started out good. The wind wasn’t as bad as Friday and the sun was trying to peek out ev- ery so often. Just before eleven the hon- or guard from the American Legion and Commander Chip Graney arrived and they took their position. At eleven, the bell at the Presbyterian Church began to peal and within a few minutes the Baptist Church bell tolled 21 times. And the crowd gathered. Commander Graney greeted everyone and later read the American Le- gion dedication for the monu- ment. It was wonderful to see how many folks came to Tri- gon Park. And a special thank you to the high school students who participated. Will LeCount came dressed as a veteran from the War of 1812 and Nathan Kalvitis portrayed a Civil War veteran. Jude Biviano, came in his Civil War uniform. Jack- son Locke and Cooper Terry were in World War I uniforms. Aslan Puccio, wore an original Red Cross smock. Neil Hert- zler, who is on active duty, joined the group. Emily Over- acker did a wonderful job with “In Flanders Fields. “ I had to call in some family, my daugh- ter and her husband, to sing the hymn, “O God My Help In Ages Past,” which is part of the Canadian Remembrance Day events. At the last minute, Joan Fernaays tracked me down on Friday to show me a utube of ninth grader, John Panepento reading a poem about veter- ans that he had written in Mrs. Whitney’s class. I made contact and John was able to read his poem at the dedication. His words touched almost every- one. Our community has good reason to be proud of our young people. For those who could not attend, or could not hear: “Lest We Forget” “On November 11, 1918, as hundreds of jubilant peo- ple gathered at the Municipal Building up on the corner to celebrate the end of the Great War, the body of 27-year old Private Edward Kaine of Le- Roy was lowered into a grave in France, having succumbed to pneumonia only two days earlier. It was the irony of a vicious war that killed and maimed thousands of young Americans. His family re- ceived notice of his death a few days later: “I take this opportunity of expressing my deep apprecia- tion of your son’s services. He served with me right through the thick of the terrible Ar- gonne drive. He was fearless and conscientious in every- thing he did. He was always on duty and could be counted upon in every emergency, ever- ready to volunteer for some special task after a hard day’s fight. When we came out of the drive he was run down physi- cally. Thinking a little rest and change would do him good, we sent him among the first leaves. By some unknown cause he caught pneumonia and not hav- ing recovered his reserve, he succumbed. It may be truly said he gave of his best to our great cause.” Over 270 men and women from LeRoy answered the call to duty and were willing to give their best to the great cause. Twelve did not survive . . . their names forever engraved on this monument. A hundred years is a long time and we have forgotten their names and their faces and the stories of who they were and how they died. Without the tenacity and dedication of Ter- ry Krautwurst, the stories, the history of these men and wom- en would be forgotten. Terry has come here today from his home in North Carolina to help give the final roll call. “ Ter- ry Krautwurst and I read the names of the twelve LeRoyans who gave their lives during the Great War. And with that, the military salute was given – three vol- leys. Then, as we stood with thoughts of those who had served and those who had lost their lives, Samantha Platek played Taps. We will never forget. I know I speak for the members of the American Le- gion, when I say thank you to all the people who gathered on Trigon Park on Sunday. We will have a reprint of the program available soon, with photographs taken on Sunday. They will be available at the Historical Society and the Village and Town Halls. A Poem for Veterans’ Day By John Panepento (9th grade – LeRoy Central School) How do we thank someone who has done so much They risk their lives for freedom and such Usually we walk away, without a thought And forget to honor those who fought They battled and brawled so we can be free And don’t get enough credit from you and me They put their families and friends on the line To fight for their lives when it’s their time So lets take this day to honor our heroes - our veterans Who we’re proud to say we rose. Thank you for your service