By Ray Lenarcic
When I was seven, I went for a walk with my grandmother through Church Street Cemetery. As I recall, it was a glorious, sunny day in early May, and the lilacs were still in bloom. Adding cherry blossoms, lilies of the valley, irises, and hyacinths to the mix made the panorama breathtaking. As I continued to slowly walk, I noticed here and there small flags, American flags. I asked Gram why they were there, and she answered, “To honor our past veterans.” Over the years, when driving by or visiting area cemeteries throughout the year, I was reminded of that day in May every time I saw the small flags fluttering in the breeze.
I’ve been fortunate to have had the opportunity to help Coalition Director Ron Schoonmaker (“Nam vet lovingly referred to as “the flag man”) place flags every May in Herkimer’s cemeteries and grateful that our organization could help finance his project. And speaking of financing, the Little Falls American Legion needs some help by April 1st or those beautiful red, white and blues won’t be fronting veterans’ headstones. This year, the Herkimer County Hunger Coalition will be making a donation, along with the Greater Herkimer Lions Club. And in the memory of my uncles (the Van Slykes) who rest in peace in Church Street, Kay and I will as well. We’re asking you, the readers, to join us in making a donation to help ensure that the Legion and volunteers will be able to continue this annual and revered tradition. You can make your check out to -Little Falls American Legion 31 -100 W. Main St.-Little Falls, N.Y.-13365
I look forward to retracing the steps I took with Gram 75 years ago-enjoying nature’s beauty and thanks to your generosity, a cemetery resplendent with the red, white and blue.
When Mr. Lenarsic was seven, I was three & we didn’t know each other. Ray hadn’t yet discovered his trumpet & I hadn’t taken up the contrabass, but we were both part of a grand continuum that is the history of the Mohawk Valley. ‘War and Remembrance’ is an important part of that continuum, honoring those who fought & perished in defense of our freedoms, honoring those who returned from foreign wars to build community. This lesson is an important part of youth education in any family & community, the ritual of remembrance essential. The Little Falls American Legion Post 46, which occupies the space of my father’s last of his three Little Falls restaurants, he himself a World War II veteran, is worthy of our support in this endeavor. Our flag is an important symbol of our collective values in this troubling time, especially poignant & appropriate for honoring veterans, those who went before us & those still among us, a source of pride & a source of wonder for that seven-year-old walking with his grandmother, that moment still in memory & inspiring advocacy later in his life. Please consider joining him in this quest. Thank you. -Robert
Ray, another very nice piece about life and what it means to serve our country and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. It’s been years since I walked that cemetery…I need to do it again. Thank you.
Dave Karpowich