Members of the firing party, made up of members of both Syracuse American Legion Post 223 and Syracuse Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1342, honored those who served by firing three volleys both at Veterans Memorial at Crosson Mill Park and at the Syracuse Cemetery. Flag bearers were Paul Stouder, Gene Gonnard, Commander Tristan Mort, Jim Brown and Terry Moser. Members of the firing party were John Connolly, Chris Longenbaugh, Mark Davis, Butch Robinson, Jim Brown and Bill Young. (Photo by Lauren Zeugner)

The weather proved to be an obstacle this morning as Memorial Day ceremonies got underway.

Lorree Corbat of American Legion Post 223 plays “Taps” at the Syracuse Cemetery. Memorial Day activities were shortened due to the inclement weather. (Photo by Lauren Zeugner)

With cool temperatures and rain most of the day, members of Syracuse American Legion Post 223 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1342 reluctantly canceled the parade. “It hurt us not to have the parade today,” said Bruno Walski, commander of the Post 223. He explained the parade was canceled out of concern for the participants and the public noting, “We didn’t want anyone coming down with pneumonia.”

Members of both posts, however, went ahead and honored those who had given the ultimate sacrifice. Carolyn Gunder threw a wreath into the Syracuse spillway by the Veterans Memorial at Crosson Mill Park while the firing party fired three volleys, and Lorree Corbat played Taps to honor those who had served at sea.

Everyone then moved to the Syracuse Cemetery where, once again, the firing party fired three volleys and Taps was played to honor those who had served.