The congregation of Grace Lutheran Church wanted to honor one of their own, Avon Bushong, ahead of his 99th birthday by dedicating a red canoe planter to him. Bushong holds the plaque that will be affixed to a red canoe; it commemorates his role as a World War II veteran and Syracuse’s past postmaster. Photo provided.

By Sarah Wright
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — A red canoe was dedicated in honor of Avon Bushong at noon Sunday, Dec. 13, with members of Grace Lutheran Church and Bushong’s family visiting Miller’s Merry Manor to honor him ahead of his 99th birthday Dec. 27.

Due to COVID-19 precautions, visitors had to pass their well-wishes to him through a window.

A World War II veteran, Bushong was also Syracuse’s postmaster from 1973 until 1980 and has been noted as instrumental in bringing the post office to its current location at 1010 N. Indiana Ave.

“His church family felt they wanted to honor him in this way (by dedicating a red canoe),” Renea Salyer, executive director of the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce, shared.

The Red Canoe Fund, which is furthering the placement of red canoe planters around Syracuse, is administered by the SWCC Foundation.

For more information about the Red Canoe Fund or to donate, visit www.swchamber.com/swcc-foundation-inc.

Avon Bushong’s granddaughter and her family were present for the dedication and visited with the honoree through a window as part of COVID-19 precautions. From the left are JR Noel, Griffin Noel, Chris Noel and Caden Noel. Photo provided.