Holley community turns out for Memorial Day observance

Photos by Kristina Gabalski

HOLLEY – Members of the Honor Guard prepare for ceremonies at the V.F.W. Post 202 in Holley this morning as part of the Memorial Day observance in the community.

Members of the Holley/Murray/Clarendon community came together on Memorial Day to remember the brave men and women who gave their lives for our country. The community also acknowledged the sacrifice of veterans who returned home, but have since passed away.

Ceremonies began shortly after 9 a.m. at the American Legion Jewell Buckman Post 529 in the village.

Holley Mayor John Kenney speaks during Memorial Day ceremonies this morning at the American Legion. He is joined by other community leaders and members of American Legion Jewell Buckman Post 529. Orleans County Deputy Sheriff James DeFilipps is on the far right.

Mayor Kenney said the freedoms enjoyed in this country should never be
taken for granted and stem from the sacrifices made by those who serve and served in the Armed Forces.. He noted that every year, the community loses more and more if its veterans. “Thank these men and women while you can,” he told those in attendance.

Orleans County Deputy Sheriff James DeFilipps and Holley Village Trustee Kevin Lynch, both members of the Sons of American Legion Jewell Buckman Post 529, place a wreath at the memorial in the village morning during Memorial Day ceremonies.

Wreaths were laid by members of the Post, the Ladies Auxiliary and members of the Sons of the Legion at the monument located outside the Post.

Members of the community then processed to the V.F.W. Post 202 in the village for another wreath laying ceremony and then to Hillside Cemetery for a wreath laying, and a ceremony at the grave of Jewell Buckman.

The group then moved to Holy Cross Cemetery. Members of the Clarendon Historical Society opened the Hillside Cemetery Chapel for the public to visit and offered refreshments outside. After the ceremonies, refreshments were also available at the American Legion.

Holley Central School Senior Nicole Boyle reads President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address during Memorial Day ceremonies Monday morning at Hillside Cemetery in Holley.

A wreath is placed at the grave of Jewell Buckman In Hillside Cemetery in Holley this morning. Buckman was the first local soldier killed in action in France during WWI. The American Legion Post in Holley is named for him.

Al Pulcino of American Legion Jewell Buckman Post 529 in Holley plays “Taps” during ceremonies Monday at the grave of Private Jewell Buckman in Hillside Cemetery in Holley.

Buckman was 26 years old when he was killed in action in France during WWI, the first local man to die in that war.

Major Ryan D’Andrea, retired, third vice commander of the Holley American Legion Jewell Buckman Post 529, speaks during Memorial Day ceremonies this morning in Holley. He discussed the history of the Memorial Day.

“We should never lose focus on what it means,” he said of the observance. “It is a day to remember … once a year is not enough.”