by Pamela A. Moore,
Harvey C. Noone Legion Family
Monday, May 25, 2020, is Memorial Day. But, this year, due to the worldwide pandemic caused by COVID-19, things will not be the same.
It seems that we had two starkly different options. Let it pass by, relatively unnoticed. Or, we could rely on the spirit that is embedded in the identity of the American people and we could develop a plan to honor and recognize those Hometown Heroes, such as Harvey C. Noone, who died while serving our country.
The Harvey C. Noone American Legion Post #954 Family chose the second option. We are facing the challenge and embracing the unusual circumstances by changing how we honor our fallen Hometown Heroes while preserving as much of our heritage and traditions as possible. We are ready, willing, and able to continue leading our community’s Annual Memorial Day Observance and we are inviting our entire community to join us in observing Memorial Day “2020 Style.”
For decades, our ceremony began on the steps of the Churchville Elementary School. Together we recited the Pledge of Allegiance, we introduced Boys State and Girls State representatives, elected officials, and that year’s Grand Marshall. We were led in prayers by a local clergy member. A wreath was laid by a Gold Star Mother or the Auxiliary President on the WWII Memorial located by the flagpole. Patriotic music filled the air as Churchville-Chili CSD students performed for all those assembled. Remarks focusing on Memorial Day were delivered. All this was followed by a parade through the village that terminated at the Soldiers Monument in Creekside Cemetery. There, a concluding prayer was given, followed by a rifle salute, echo taps, and finally bagpipers played Amazing Grace. All of this has been indefinitely postponed, sadly, perhaps until Memorial Day 2021.
According to an article written by Town and Village Historian, Ron Belczak, this format has been followed for the last 95 years. If you are interested in the history of Memorial Day in Churchville, the article is posted on our newly launched Legion website, harveycnoonepost954.org. It is found under the Post Information tab and then once that tab is clicked, choose Post History.
Also, for decades, in the days leading up to Memorial Day, members of our Legion Family, under the leadership of our Auxiliary, have been out in the community distributing poppies. The poppy distribution serves several very important purposes.
First, it is a sign that Memorial Day will soon be upon us and plans need to be made to participate in, or attend, the Annual Legion Memorial Day Services. Second, it reminds everyone although Memorial Day marks the arrival of summer and plans for barbecues, picnics, local festivals, and vacations, the original and much deeper meaning of the day must not be forgotten. Were it not for the willingness and sacrifice of those who died defending our nation and our freedoms, none of us would have the gift of being able to enjoy the day with family and friends. So, it is only fitting that we spend some time that day reflecting on the meaning and the reason for this day. Third, distributing poppies also gives the public the opportunity to place a donation in the poppy can that is there with the poppies. Legion Auxiliary Units are required to use all received donations to support programs for veterans, active duty members, and their families. Receiving donations for poppies has allowed our Auxiliary to support veterans at the Batavia VA, the Eagle Star Transitional Home, and to support programming conducted by organizations such as the Veterans Outreach Center, Honor Flight, and the Patriot Guard.
After we postponed our Annual Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade, several of our members began growing uneasy. Things just did not feel right. We were all acutely aware that, for everyone everywhere in America, things are so different than last year, or maybe, different even than they have ever been.
We all know there have been many years that we, as a nation, observed Memorial Day when we were in a period of peace and prosperity. We also know that there have also been years when we observed Memorial Day when we were at war or engaged in military conflicts. Those years were much more somber. Those years our hearts were heavy because in those years, members of our community may have been killed or injured while serving our nation. Our troops were in danger. They were on ships at sea, in foxholes, on bases in the jungle and in the desert, and they were in the skies above. Moreover, in those years we did not know what the outcome of the individual battles and wars would be. We knew our freedom and way of life were also in danger. In those years we were keenly aware that “Freedom Is Not Free.” And, all that said, never has there been a Memorial Day quite like this one. Instead of being able to find comfort and strength in gathering together, we need to stay apart.
It did not feel right; something was gnawing at our souls. Somehow, breaking that 95-year tradition of honoring our Hometown Heroes was most troubling. Breaking the tradition of honoring those who faced down the enemy and protected our nation so future generations could live in a free nation was, on a very basic level, just wrong. And, yet, we are faced with the real and competing force of the need to protect those who are most vulnerable to this deadly enemy – a virus, not even visible to the naked eye but so contagious and widespread that it has threatened people throughout the world.
Without a doubt we are living in “unprecedented times;” these are “uncharted waters.” But, we are not the first Americans who have lived in “unprecedented times” or faced “uncharted waters.” Our entire history as a nation has been a story of people whose collective spirit is one that embraces challenges and adjusts to change with resolve and ingenuity. Periods of adversity have allowed individuals to hone the virtues of fortitude, perseverance, gratitude, creativity and resourcefulness. And, this has brought advancements in science, in engineering, in medicine, and in human rights.
It has not always been easy and the road to advancement has not always been direct or smooth. This time, however, the enemy is powerful in a way that did not make the solution for facing it down, rather than being controlled by it, obvious. Discussions ensued and plans slowly emerged.
Our Legion Family has decided it remains our duty to conduct and lead our community in its Annual Memorial Day Observance by preserving what we are able to and then relying on our strong foundation to devise new ways to move forward this year and into the future.
First, it was an absolute given that American flags would be placed on the graves of all deceased veterans in all three cemeteries located in our community. But, instead of doing this as a group as we normally do, we formed small teams to go out separately and to place the flags. As a point of clarification, the news stories you may have heard or read about prohibiting scouts from placing flags on veterans’ graves applies only to the National Veterans Cemeteries owned and operated by the VA. In Churchville, American flags have always been placed by the Legion Family. This year we received many offers of help from the community. Thank you, it proves how much this symbol of respect and honor means to our entire community.
Next, we had to address what to do since we cannot gather together, as usual, to conduct our parade and our formal ceremonies. The solution for the parade was to modify what the Veterans Administration suggested. Accordingly, people are encouraged over the entire Memorial Day weekend, beginning on Saturday, May 23, continuing until dusk on Memorial Day, May 25, 2020 to leave their homes, at the time of their choice, and to drive by, or through, the cemeteries where those we are honoring have been laid to rest.
With respect to the prayers, speeches, and music that compose our traditional ceremonies, there are actually many “virtual” substitutes. Some are modifications of what is normally done and some are all together new ideas. For example, we have created a number of suggestions for children and for families to do together that are centered on the meaning of Memorial Day. Many are on our website, which we launched this week specifically so that we could more effectively serve our community in these unprecedented times by providing options for observing Memorial Day “2020 Style.”
On our website you will find information and links to prayers, speeches, music and many, many pictures of previous Memorial Day Ceremonies. You can also learn more about the Legion Family and about the other community service we perform throughout the year for the benefit of our veterans and our community.
If you find what we do compelling and inspiring and if you are a veteran, or the spouse of a veteran, or the female descendant of a veteran, you can find membership applications for the Legion and for the Auxiliary on our website. We welcome both new members and folks who want to volunteer for, or participate in, a specific event or project that touches your heart or utilizes a skill or interest you have.
