Medina Legion and VFW pay respect to veterans

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Early this morning the Honor Guard from Medina’s American Legion and VFW began firing three-gun salutes and playing Taps at each of the veterans’ monuments in Medina – the Vietnam Memorial at the American Legion, the Company F Memorial at the former Armory where they served, the Korean Memorial on Park Avenue, the tank at Veterans’ Memorial Park and the Butts-Clark Memorial on South Main Street. Here they are shown outside the former Medina Armory, now the Orleans County YMCA.

MEDINA – Veterans in the Medina area received recognition in a number of ways during special events and ceremonies this weekend to commemorate Veterans’ Day.

On Friday, the Butts-Clark American Legion Post served free drinks to veterans, while the Ladies’ Auxiliary provided an array of food and snacks.

A display on one wall featured a large patriotic sign under a row of veterans’ pictures.

Cathy Fox, president of the Orleans County American Legion Auxiliary, handed out patriotic mugs purchased by the Auxiliary to veterans.

Cathy Fox, president of the Orleans County American Legion Auxiliary, presents a patriotic mug to Phyllis Schrader, coordinator of the veterans’ van service in Albion. The Auxiliary handed out the mugs to veterans during a Veterans’ Day celebration Friday at the Butts-Clark American Legion Post.

A solemn ceremony honoring POW/MIA veterans was conducted by Post chaplain Dave Kusmierczak and commander Jim Wells.

The “Empty Table” ceremony features a table set for one, to symbolize the frailty of one prisoner alone against his oppressors.

As Wells rang a bell, Kusmierczak explained the meaning of each item on the table.

A white tablecloth represents the purity of the soldiers intentions in responding to their country’s call to arms.

A single red rose was a reminder of the families and loved ones who keep the faith waiting their return.

Dave Kusmierczak, left, chaplain of the Butts-Clark American Legion Post, and commander Jim Wells conduct a “POW/MIA” empty table ceremony during a veterans’ get-together Friday at the Medina post.

A red ribbon symbolizes the determination of those who demand a proper accounting of the missing.

A candle is lit to symbolize the upward reach of their unconquerable spirit.

A slice of lemon is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate.

Salt on the plate is a symbol of the families’ tears as they wait.

The glass is inverted to signify – They cannot toast with us today.

The chair is empty, as they are not here.

Also on Saturday, Tops Friendly Markets gave veterans an 11 percent discount on their grocery bill. At noon today, the VFW served a free beef on weck lunch to all veterans.

On Friday, members of Medina’s American Legion and VFW Honor Guard, fire a three-gun salute during veterans’ ceremonies at Orchard Manor Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Medina. Members, from left, are Mike Herman, Carol Callina (trumpeter), John Follman, Mike Donahue, Ricci Harper, Dave Kusmierczak, Brad Nudd, Glenn Whitmore and Jim Freas, officer in charge.

The Honor Guard from Medina’s American Legion and VFW posts has been conducting a service in honor of Veterans’ Day at Orchard Manor Rehabilitation and Nursing Center for more than 20 years.

Jim Freas, the Officer in Charge, said he started participating when he moved to Medina 20 years ago, and they had been doing it long before that.

On Friday, all the veteran residents were bundled up and moved outside for the traditional 21-gun salute, playing of Taps, a prayer by chaplain Dave Kusmierczak and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

Previous to arriving at Orchard Manor, the Honor Guard participated in ceremonies earlier that morning at the Veterans’ National Cemetery in Pembroke, Freas said.

Two veterans who appreciated the ceremony and being recognized for their service were Doug Herman, an Army veteran and member of the National Guard, and Jack Monell, a 60-year member of the Army National Guard, who served in the Advanced Infantry.

All veterans residing at Orchard Manor received patriotic bracelets and were treated to coffee and donuts donated by Tops Friendly Market.

Following recital of the Pledge of Allegiance, one veteran tearfully shouted, “God Bless America.”

Orchard Manor’s activities director Jamie Murphy each year creates a Wall of Honor in the Activities Room for all the veterans in residence.

Provided photo: A member of the American Legion/VFW Honor Guard shakes hands with veteran Kenny Draper during Veterans’ Day ceremonies at Orchard Manor Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.