Brother of soldier killed in Vietnam gives book to library about ‘Holley Boys’

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 December 2016 at 1:20 pm

‘Vietnam Reflections’ tells story of 8 men from Holley who died in Vietnam War

Provided photo: Don Sisson presents a copy of the book, Vietnam Reflections by Michael T. Keene, to the Community Free Library in Holley. Sandra Shaw, library director, accepts the book from Sisson, whose brother Ronnie P. Sisson was killed in Vietnam on Dec. 16, 1965.

Provided photo: Don Sisson presents a copy of the book, Vietnam Reflections by Michael T. Keene, to the Community Free Library in Holley. Sandra Shaw, library director, accepts the book from Sisson, whose brother Ronnie P. Sisson was killed in Vietnam on Dec. 16, 1965.

HOLLEY – The family of one of the eight Holley men killed in the Vietnam War donated a copy of a book to the Community Free Library in Holley.

The book, ‘Vietnam Reflections’ by Michael Keene, profiles the eight men from Holley who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam.

Ronnie Sisson was one of the eight from Holley who died in Vietnam. Don Sisson gave a book to the library in memory of his brother.

The death of Ronnie Sisson and the seven other soldiers from Holley is one of the highest per capita losses from the war of any community in the United States.

Michael Keene, a Vietnam War veteran from Pittsford, interviewed family and friends of the eight Holley soldiers for his book.

Other Holley soldiers featured in the book include: John P. Davis, David Duane Case, Howard L. Bowen, Gary E. Bullock, Gary Lee Stymus, George Warren Fischer Jr. and Paul Scott Mandracchia.

Keene will be signing copies of the book and giving a talk about ‘Vietnam Reflections’ on Jan. 14 at the American Legion in Holley from 2 to 4 p.m.

The Murray-Holley Historical Society will be serving punch and cookies during the event.

Marsha DeFillipps, the Murray-Holley historian since 1979, praised Keene for his effort with the book, which she said is receiving positive reviews from the community.

“It’s great that he did this undertaking, especially not being a local guy,” she said. “It’s a fantastic book.”

She said the book is a tribute to the community and its patriotism.

“We’ve had a lot of sacrifices through the years with all of the wars,” she said.

Every year on Flag Day, elementary students march down Main Street past DeFillipps’ home in the village. The students wave flags and go to the Historical Society Depot where citizenship awards are presented.

“We’re one of the few schools that still does a big Flag Day,” she said.

Return to top