A beautiful morning with the sun shining and a gentle breeze descended on the residents of Churchville and Riga as they remembered those who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our Nation and our freedoms this Memorial Day. After missing a few years due to Covid, residents were able to pay their respects and enjoy the parade.
County Legislator Steve Brew was one of the dignitaries in attendance, along with town and village leadership. Churchville Mayor John Hartman served as the Grand Marshall. The guest speaker was Village Historian Ron Belczak who talked about the history of the first Memorial Day in Churchville that arguably was the first in the Nation. He spoke about the Churchville veterans who fought in the Civil War and paid the ultimate sacrifice. Legion Commander Ken Juergens spoke to the meaning of Memorial Day and highlighted the names of the 13 military members who lost their lives during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The emphasis was on those who gave up their “tomorrows” so we can enjoy our “todays.”
The Lady Liberties from Chili Legion Post 1830 led the parade with their color guard. The parade included the Monroe County Sheriffs Department, the Churchville Fire Department, the Legion, Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion led by Ron Torcello, the Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Girl Scouts, Robotics Club, the Town of Riga, the Gates Chili Bagpipers, Boys State Representatives, the Lions Club, and others.
The Legion family had balloon making and candy for the children while also handing out American Flags. Auxiliary President Ann Plucknette and Legionnaire Tony Torcello placed a wreath at both the WWII and Civil War monuments. The crowd at the ceremony listened as Mae Ennis played guitar and sang Tim McGraw’s “If You Are Reading This.” Many were moved to tears by her rendition of the song. The Churchville-Chili High School Band also entertained the crowd, playing the “Star Spangled Banner,” “America the Beautiful,” and the Armed Forces’ “Pride of America.” They finished their performance by playing Taps at the Creekside Cemetery followed by the Bagpipers rendition of “Amazing Grace.” It was an important day of remembrance in Riga/Churchville.
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