Kendall community gives solemn observance on Memorial Day

Photos by Kristina Gabalski –  The Memorial Day parade in Kendall makes its way north on Orleans-Monroe County Line Road on Monday evening.

KENDALL – Members of the Kendall community gathered Monday evening for a Memorial Day observance at the Morton Cemetery on Kenmor Rd.  A parade down Orleans-Monroe County Line Road to Kenmore Road preceded the ceremonies.

Kendall Supervisor Tony Cammarata reminded those attending of the significance of the observance and of the soldiers who fought and died serving their country.

“It is their sacrifice which enables us to enjoy our freedoms,” he said.

Supervisor Cammarata also spoke of the American soldiers who fought and died overseas and are buried in American cemeteries in foreign countries, as well as the “83,000 warriors” who are Missing in Action and without graves.

Members of the Kendall Fire Department march Monday evening in the parade.

The United States flag is held by members of the Kendall Fire Department during Memorial Day ceremonies at the Morton Cemetery.

Congressman Chris Collins speaks during the Kendall Memorial Day ceremonies. Kendall Supervisor Tony Cammarata listens in the background. Collins urged those in attendance to “remember the sacrifices made by others so we can continue to be free.”

New York State Senator Rob Ortt speaks Monday evening at the Morton Cemetery in Kendall.  Senator Ortt, a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, called Memorial Day a “solemn holiday.”  He said the soldiers, “who don’t come back are the real heroes.” Members of the Kendall Town Board, including Supervisor Tony Cammarata are also pictured.

State Assemblyman Steve Hawley said Kendall is the final event he attends on Memorial Day.  “Kendall is great,” he said, “this is America.” A veteran, Assemblyman Hawley reminded those in attendance about the annual Patriot Trip he organizes for local veterans, enabling them to travel to Washington, D.C., to visit, “the memorials erected to the veterans who paid the ultimate price.”

Members of the Kendall Jr./Sr. High School chorus perform during the ceremonies Monday evening.

Kendall Town Council Members Barb Flow and Wayne Martin placed a wreath on the grave of a soldier in the Morton Cemetery.

Members of the Kendall Jr./Sr. High School Band also performed. Looking on in the background is Orleans County Legislator Ken DeRoller and Orleans County

Sheriff Randy Bower. Orleans County Legislator Lynne Johnson also attended the Memorial Day observance in Kendall.

Boy Scouts and veterans unfurled a large U.S. Flag and then re-folded it as an explanation of the meaning of each of the 13 folds was read.

Kendall 8th grader Jayden Pieniaszek played “Taps” to conclude Memorial Day ceremonies in Kendall.