Youngstown VFW Post 313 members hold services at OFN Civil War Cemetery on Memorial Day

By Terry Duffy

Editor-in-Chief

Photos by Wayne Peters

Coming off a busy weekend that featured the multigenerational “Soldiers Through the Ages” event at Old Fort Niagara, Monday’s Memorial Day service in the Old Fort Niagara Civil War Cemetery was small but meaningful.

The program was presented by VFW Lake Ontario Post 313, with the colors by Scouting America Troop 829 of Youngstown, and an honor guard from Old Fort Niagara. It opened with presentation of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by Lew Custode and remarks by post officials.

Cmdr. Ed Jackson spoke on the continuing struggles of post-traumatic stress, mental illness and suicide, which service members contend with to this day.

“One that stood out to me, a young man just a few years ago, took his own life,” Jackson said. “He was somebody I worked with; I was hoping he would make a better life. And he was unable to. He believed his son was not growing up in a better world, but a worst world. That was his note.

“I guess the best thing to say is, ‘Tell them they can get help. here’s an 800 number to call. There are all kinds of people to help another vet, especially (those) in our boat. It is solvable.”

The service continued with a placement of simple carnation by a post member and wreath-laying by Deputy Mayor Rick Stortecki and Porter Supervisor John “Duffy” Johnston at the Civil War-era Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Included was prayers and the honoring of departed Post 313 members John Moore, Michael McClean, Ron Ashker and Daniel Shepherds.

Musician Maureen Gambino presented renditions of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” and with “America the Beautiful,” followed by taps by Custode.

The Youngstown service was one of many held throughout the weekend in Niagara County, including the Memorial Day community event in Lewiston.

Laying carnations on the grave marker.

Wreath laying by Town of Porter Supervisor John "Duffy" Johnston and Village of Youngstown Deputy Mayor Rick Stortecky.