By RICK MILLER
Olean Star
OLEAN — More than 200 people came to participate in Olean’s Memorial Day ceremony at Lincoln Monday morning.
Despite an occasional sprinkle, rain held off until after the ceremony under the roof of the Farmers Market building.
Keynote speaker Olean Mayor Bill Aiello invoked President John F. Kennedy’s first Inaugural address with the words: “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.”
Sixty-three years later, many have chosen to serve their nation in numerous conflicts, Aiello said. Like those who served before them, soldiers have served the nation far from their families.
“Let us remember those who didn’t return for the family barbecue or their child’s Little League game, or Fourth of July celebration,” Aiello said. “We can remember those heroes for their bravery, their courage and their ultimate sacrifice. We can keep their names alive and pass on their stories.”
Aiello cited the sacrifice of Donald Bailey, a 1967 Olean High School graduate who was wounded by a sniper’s bullet in Vietnam, leaving him paralyzed below the neck. He learned to paint while holding a brush in his mouth, but died Jan. 11, 1972 of sepsis associated with his wounds.
The mayor urged those attending to “Go find a story by a veteran.”
John Eberth, an aide to Assemblyman Joseph Giglio, thanks all those who attended to honor the bravery of the nation’s fallen soldiers. “We have a long history of brave men and women stepping forward in service to their country,” he added.
Olean American Legion Post 530 sponsored the Memorial Day ceremony at Lincoln Park. Post Chaplin Michael Muir, a Navy veteran, was master of ceremonies.
Alan Ruszkowski of Olean Boy Scout Troop 531 led the “Pledge of Allegiance.”
Olean Boy Scouts, the Olean High School Band played the “National Anthem” and Olean High School Chorus performed “God Bless America.”
The Rev. Kim Rossi of St. Stephens Episcopal Church and bethany Lutheran Church, offered the opening and closing prayers.
Rossi asked those attending to “pause to reflect on the sacrifice made by those who paid the ultimate price on behalf of our nation. We pray that their sacrifices are never forgotten, nor the pain of their families. We acknowledge that freedom comes at a cost and pray that we always looK toward peace.”
Legion First Vice Commander James Tambash, an Army veteran and retired Olean Police investigator, also spoke. Sergeant-at-Arms Craig Neuland led the Honor Guard in a 21-gun salute.
A female member of the Olean High School Band played “Taps” after three volleys by the seven-member Honor Guard.
