Story and photos by Christopher R. Martin
In a long-standing annual tradition, members of the Brockport Area Veterans Club gathered on Saturday, May 23, 2026, despite the heavy rains and high winds the community was experiencing. The club leaders made the decision to move the ceremony inside the club.
“Memorial Day is the day Americans set aside to remember and honor those brave men and women who met tragic ends while defending our freedom. It is our duty to remember and honor their sacrifices, to pray for their families, and to bow our heads in recognition of their service” – Brockport Area Veterans Club Memorial Day Ceremony program.
Local officials from Brockport, Sweden, and Clarkson were in attendance to pay their respects, as well as a group of firefighters from the Brockport Fire District. Local Scouts joined the group to present and retire our Nation’s colors, and trumpeters from the Brockport High School Band played Taps as part of the ceremony.
Patricia Connors was the mistress of ceremonies and opened the ceremony with welcoming remarks, thanking everyone for braving the weather to honor our veterans. Jack Tangen, Commander of American Legion Post #379, offered a heartfelt Invocation and then presented the Annual American Legion Ceremony and Creed. The red, white, and blue wreath was presented by members of the American Legion Auxiliary #379, Anita Mault, President.
County Legislator Jackie Smith delivered the keynote address, followed by the Benediction by Jack Tangen. Closing remarks from Legion member William Fine were offered following the Scouts retiring the colors.
