RochesterConservative.com

By rochester_veteran

On Sunday, May 18, 2008, the 140th Annual Sunday Memorial Service for veterans and active duty military, who have passed away over the past year, was held at the Rochester Community War Memorial. To think that this wonderful tradition of honoring our deceased veterans and military has been going on since the first ceremony, honoring Civil War dead, back in 1868, the same year that the first Memorial Day ceremonies were held in Waterloo, NY.

My Mom was invited because my Dad, a WWII Veteran, passed away earlier this year. My Mom invited my wife and I to accompany her. The ceremony was held in the entrance atrium of the War Memorial and we all felt fortunate that we were indoors because it was rainy and windy weather outside. There’s a nice, airy feel in that atrium.

We got there a bit early and James Schmitt was playing patriotic songs on the organ. He’s very talented. The ceremony is sponsored by the Veterans Memorial and Executive Council of the City of Rochester and there were many veterans groups that were represented and in uniform.

At 3pm sharp, SSG Joseph Howlett, from the US Army 98th Division sounded the bugle call for Assembly. He was standing at attention at the top of the escalators and stairs above the atrium. Raymond F. Schultheis, the Commander for the Veterans Memorial and Executive Council, led the Call to Order. The Masonic War Veterans color guard advanced the colors and presented them at the stage. Eagle Scout, Ben Watkins from Troop 37, led the Pledge of Allegiance. Debbie Schmidt then led the singing of the Star Spangled Banner. Everyone sang!

The Chaplain, Father William Leone (LTC, US Army, retired) then led the prayer for Veterans. Major General Norbert Rappl (US Army, retired) gave the welcome address and spoke of the long 140 year history of the ceremony that’s honored Rochester area veterans since just after the Civil War. Monroe County Executive, Maggie Brooks and City of Rochester Mayor, Bob Duffy both addressed us and had some nice things to say. Bob Duffy ended his address mentioning a youtube video that’s been making the rounds. It was of an event that took place on April 25, 1976 at a Chicago Cubs baseball game and Rick Monday was the hero. Check it out:

Our Star Spangled Banner is not just a piece of cloth to we veterans!

We then heard from Colonel David J. Conboy from the US Army 98th Division and he spoke of the vital mission that his Rochester, NY based unit had in training Iraqi forces so that they will be able to defend themselves. The Colonel spoke of the five members of the 98th that gave their lives for us in Iraq, including his good friend, Lt. Col. Terrence Crowe gave his life leading his unit in combat in Tal Afar, Iraq. A book has been written about the 98th’s duty in Iraq titled Iroquois Warriors in Iraq. Check out the chapter on Lt. Col. Crowe. Here’s a video about the 98th in Tal Afar,:

Eagle Scout, Ben Watkins, then acted as torch bearer, to light the eternal flame in rememberance of our deceased Veterans. Mayor Bob Duffy placed the floral wreath. Then, SSG Joseph Howlett played Taps. A woman behind us started crying. Many people, including me, had to dab the tears from our eyes. I thought of my Dad and the rest of the veterans and active duty military that have passed away over the last year. The Color Guard then honored the dead with a 21 gun salute.

The colors were then retired by the Masonic War Veterans. Fr. Leone gave the final Benediction. Debbie Schmidt then led us all on a rousing rendition of “God Bless America”! Again, everyone sang!

The number of Monroe County Veterans that have passed away, from May 1, 2007 through April 30, 2008 are as follows:

World War II - 1008
Korean War - 324
Vietnam - 208
Persian Gulf / Desert Storm 6
Iraq - 2
Peace Time - 179
Period of Service Not Recorded - 19

Total Monroe County Veterans Passing - 1746