GLOVERSVILLE - The meaning of why Memorial Day was first proclaimed in May 1868 by Gen. John Logan played a prominent role in Monday's annual service at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Prospect Hill Cemetery.
"Let us take time to reflect on why Gen. Logan wanted us to pay tribute to his brothers in arms," said Gloversville Public Library Director Barbara Madonna, who gave the main address.
City Court Judge Vincent DeSantis, as master of ceremonies, introduced various participants in the program, including Roadrunners 4-H Club member Alicia Anich, who recited Logan's "Memorial Day Orders."
Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868, by Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11. The holiday was first observed May 30 of that year when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.
Madonna asked those gathered at the cemetery to remember Logan's order, which she said served as a way for future generations to remember the sacrifices of the nation's military personnel. In that way, she said the order ensures that future generations always will remember the "freedom and liberty" that those in the military help preserve.
"The implications of their actions stretch far into the future," Madonna said.
The library director went on to list the many definitions of the words "freedom" and "liberty."
"Liberty is also a key component of our Constitution," Madonna said.
She said the "blessings of liberty" are enumerated in many ways, including the many freedoms Americans enjoy in the United States. She said they include freedom of the press, freedom to assemble, protection against unreasonable search and seizure, freedom not to be enslaved, and the rights to vote and maintain a militia. All of those rights are still important today, she said.
Madonna also mentioned that Gloversville has maintained a library for 125 years, and anyone looking for information on freedom and liberty can learn about them there.
"It's not only fitting, but so important that we continue to honor our veterans," she said.
Madonna said the community tries every year to honor its "fallen heroes," but warned again complacency.
DeSantis told the gathering he has always been drawn to the section of Prospect Hill Cemetery where the service was conducted.
"I think about what we are, who we are and what we are doing here," the city court judge said.
DeSantis said generations can recognize the accomplishments of the war dead so that we can continue to live in freedom.
"We're paying homage to them," he said. "What this is is a celebration with our connection with the past. That's what makes this moment in time so special."
The program began with the invocation given by the Rev. Peter Ellis of the Emanuel Baptist Church in Gloversville, followed by the "Pledge of Allegiance" by Boy Scout Corrie Hayes of Troop 7 Foothills United Methodist Church.
A musical selection was rendered by the Gloversville High School band under the direction of John Savage followed by Abraham Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address" by Gloversville High School junior Shannon Holly.
A moment of silence was observed for deceased veterans and loved ones.
A ceremony was conducted with the laying of wreaths at the foot of the monument by the following wreath bearers - Girl Scout Kathrine Robar from Troop 2154, Girl Scout Dayana Navaro from Troop 2154, Boy Scout Stephen Basileo Troop 5 Lexington Center, Webelo Scout Christopher Smouse Pack 6 Boulevard School PTA
As the wreaths were laid at the foot of the monument, three volleys were fired by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion Firing Squad.
"Taps" was played by Bri Smead from the school band.
The program closed with the playing of the national anthem and benediction by Ellis.
Michael Anich covers Johnstown and Fulton County news. He can be reached at johnstown@leaderherald.com
