Syracuse Celebrates Memorial Day, Honors Departed Veterans
Attendees at Syracuse Cemetery on Memorial Day stand at attention and salute while the Wawasee Marching Warrior Band plays the National Anthem. Photo by Ray Balogh.
By Ray Balogh
InkFreeNews
SYRACUSE — Syracuse celebrated and commemorated Memorial Day, May 30, first with a joyous parade and then with a solemn ceremony at Syracuse Cemetery.
Pat Park, pastor of Church in the Heights, Syracuse, and retired Navy first lieutenant, delivered the message at the cemetery.
“This is not my holiday,” he said. “It is for those who gave their all. I just did my job. I am not a hero.”
Park described himself as being “on a different fighting force” as pastor after retiring from a 25-year career in the U.S. Navy. He has been pastor at Church in the Heights, formerly Wawasee Heights Baptist Church, since 2009.
He cited two Bible verses highlighting sacrifice and living for others:
“Greater love has no man than to give his life for his friends.” John 15:13
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
He recommended two ways to live. “You can give your life for others, or you can support those who wear a uniform.”
Chris Longenbaugh, service officer for Syracuse American Legion Post 223, read the names of veterans buried in cemeteries in Syracuse and Turkey Creek Township, beginning with the American Civil War until present.
Jana Stollery, retired Air Force veteran and Post 223 chaplain and auxiliary member, cited the sobering numbers of veterans in each of the area cemeteries.
Pastor Mindy Huffman of Calvary United Methodist Church delivered the invocation and closing prayer.
Scenes from the day, photos by Ray Balogh:
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- The blare of sirens and flashing of lights on public emergency vehicles proved both fascinating and intimidating for this little fella, watching the Syracuse parade from his front yard.
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- The Syracuse American Legion Post 223 Honor Guard led the walking entries of the Syracuse Memorial Day parade.
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- The nearly 100-strong Wawasee Marching Warrior Band, composed of students from Milford and Wawasee middle schools and Wawasee High School, participated in the parade and played the national anthem and “You’re a Grand Old Flag” at the memorial service at Syracuse Cemetery.
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- American Legion Riders from Nappanee joined in the Syracuse parade.
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- The Syracuse Elementary Drum Circle provided rhythmic percussion during the parade.
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- Mindy Huffman, pastor of Calvary United Methodist Church, delivered the invocation and closing prayer.
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- Pat Park, pastor and Navy veteran, delivered the message at the memorial ceremony. “This is not my holiday,” he said. “It is for those who gave their all. I just did my job. I am not a hero.”
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- Air Force veteran Jana Stollery, Post 223 chaplain and auxiliary member, recited the staggering number of veterans buried in cemeteries in Syracuse and Turkey Creek Township.
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- Chris Longenbaugh, service officer for Syracuse American Legion Post 223, read the names of veterans buried in local cemeteries, beginning with those who died in the American Civil War.
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- The Syracuse American Legion provided the riflemen to give the gun salute at the memorial service at Syracuse Cemetery.
