GLEN SPEY, NY — Overcast skies did not keep folks in Lumberland from gathering to remember the fallen in battle. The service was succinct but no less poignant as the flag was saluted, patriotic songs were sung, and flowers were laid at the monuments to World War I and II, Korean and Vietnam war veterans across the road from the Town Hall in Glen Spey.

Town Historian Frank Schwartz emceed the program. Deputy Supervisor Leigh Sherman welcomed the assembly. Rev. Nancy Lee Vonderhorst of the Pond Eddy United Methodist Church led the singing of “America the Beautiful” and “God Bless America” and also gave the invocation, saying, “Lord, as we commemorate our honored dead on this Memorial Day, may we recommit ourselves to cherish the freedoms that they have given their lives for.”

Michael Marcasciano of Glen Spey, an Army veteran whose family has a rich tradition of military service, spoke briefly but eloquently about his time in uniform, which included assignment to a military honor guard. He viewed the assignment as an opportunity to unite fallen soldiers with their families. Speaking of the fallen, Marcasciano stated, “Our way of life is their victory. Honor them.”

After the service, flowers were placed at the war memorials by the local Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. Standing watch over the memorials were members of Sylvan Liebla American Legion Post 1363 from Eldred. These gentlemen presented a three-gun salute followed by taps. Rev. Vonderhorst then pronounced the benediction on the service, exhorting the participants to “go in peace knowing that your freedom to celebrate this day is a gift of our service men and women wherever they are. May God bless them and keep them safe. Amen.”