by Pamela A. Moore,
Harvey C. Noone Legion Family
For the second year, the pandemic affected how we were able to lead the community in remembering and honoring those who died while defending our nation and protecting our freedom. The Harvey C. Noone Legion Family retained as many traditional elements as possible and made positive changes aimed at doing more to involve youth. After all, those who gave their lives did so for future generations of Americans. Therefore, it is important that each generation of children learn about and honor the sacrifices of those who died – many of whom were very young themselves – so that we all could live in a free nation.
Throughout May, poppies were distributed in exchange for donations used to support veterans programs such as the Batavia VA, Eagle Star Home in Spencerport, Honor Flight, and Patriot Guard. The Auxiliary conducted a Poppy Coloring Contest. And, in the days leading up to Memorial Day, teams of volunteers, including, for the first time, children, placed over 500 flags on the graves of veterans buried in Riga/Churchville.
Due to the pandemic, the Memorial Day Ceremony was scaled back. There was no parade, and the Memorial service was moved to the Legion Post Home. To promote a closer relationship with the Cub Scouts that the Legion sponsors and provides meeting space to, members of Cub Scout Pack 156 acted as the Color Guard. Cub Scout, Charles Bailey, read the poem “The Little Tin Soldier” during the ceremony. Elected officials were among the invited guests. Poppy Coloring Contest winners and their families were also invited. The ceremony concluded with the rifle squad firing a salute and the playing of Echo Taps by Churchville-Chili music students Ryan Dick and Meghan Parisi.
After the conclusion of the Memorial Day Ceremony, the Poppy Contest winners were recognized and given prizes from the Auxiliary, an American Flag, and a copy of “Our Country’s Flag – A Guide for Its Proud Display,” donated by the Monroe County Legion Auxiliary.
Upcoming community events sponsored by the Legion Family include a Flag Destruction Ceremony on June 14, 2021, and a Fourth of July Decorating Contest. The contest is designed to bring the community together in a fun event to celebrate Independence Day and our freedom on July 4. The contest features two categories – Poppy Displays and General Patriotic Displays. The contest is open to all businesses, residents (age 12 and above), and children age 12 and under who live or operate a business in the Churchville-Chili School District. Children are encouraged to create and enter their own displays. Rules and entry forms may be found at www.harveycnoonepost954.org, on the Post’s Facebook page, and at the Newman Riga Library.
