Sunday, May 26 the annual Memorial Day Parade kicked-off at noon at the Alfred R. Grebe American Legion Post #1045 with John and Jimmy Ski setting off the (little) cannon.
The parade of veterans and emergency responders proceeded to the Village Green led by the Color Guard, Tim Hoch, Michael George, and Drew Norton.
Reverend Whitman offered a prayer, Fishers Island Fire Commissioner John Klimczak, acting as master of ceremonies, officiated and retired Second Lieutenant Tim Patterson was the veteran speaker while Korean Vet Joe Rogan led the Rifle Corp of veterans Patty Walker and Tim Patterson with firefighter Courtney Allan.
John Klimczak said, “Thank you for joining us for the Alfred R. Grebe American Legion Post #1045 Memorial Day parade and ceremony. The Legion, along with our color guard as well as our rifle corps, welcome you to this special occasion. This is a national ritual, a tradition among Americans of every race and heritage.”
The marchers then proceed back the Legion where everyone enjoyed the annual cookout picnic with family and friends.
Thank you to everyone who worked, marched, cooked and otherwise volunteered to make this day a special one including Deb Doucette, American Legion Post #1045 acting commander Patty Walker and adjunct Tim Patterson.
Click any photo to see a larger version or scroll through the gallery.
Photo Credit Jane T. Ahrens
Laying of the Wreaths
From John Klimczak’s remarks
It is appropriate this, and every year to have a special remembrance of the supreme sacrifices of those soldiers, men, and women, who have lost their lives overseas in the war against terrorism and oppression.
Time was taken to remember the losses of loved ones who have passed this year that honorably served our country and who have helped make a difference to the Fishers Island community in years gone by.
Don Brown
Don was a tireless supporter of the A.R. Grebe American Legion Post #1045 through his participation and work on multiple civic events. He will be missed for his witty and amicable personality and we will never forget his selfless contributions to our beloved American Legion.
Lewis O. Lamb
Lew was a humble man who fought in two wars, was wounded twice, and was awarded the purple heart. He was a true role model for 92 years and impacted the lives of every person he met.
Joseph E. Corbin
Joe joined the Air Force in 1966. After his military service, “Highway Joe” as he became to be known as, was crew chief of the Fishers Island Highway Department and retired after 25 years of service on the Island.
Barry B. Bannister
Barry retired as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army where he bravely served as a parachutist at Fort Bragg, as a battalion commander in Vietnam, and as a general staff officer in the Pentagon. Throughout his career, he received multiple military decorations and is buried in the Arlington National Cemetery.
David ‘Chick’ Dallaire
“Chick”, as he was known by most people, enlisted in the Air Force in 1964 and later worked and lived on and contributed to Fishers Island for years.
Merritt McDonough
A caring warm man, Merritt served the U.S. Military at Fort Dix and Governors Island from 1955-1958.
Bertram “Bert” Borden Fisher
Bert proudly served our nation in the U.S. Army as an army ranger and paratrooper serving with the 5th regimental combat team during the height of the Korean Conflict. At the time of his honorable discharge from eight years of service, he had achieved the rank of 2nd Lieutenant.
Mario Mannetti
Mario enlisted in the U.S. Army shortly after his graduation from high school. He served as a military policeman in occupied Japan and Guam following the end of WWII and was a fixture on Fishers Island for years.
Peter Norton Lord
Peter served as a naval communications officer on the USS Kitty Hawk and the USS Behar during the Vietnam war.
James M. Duryea
A summer resident of Fishers island for 65 years, Jay served in the U.S. Marine Corps earlier in his career.
We sincerely thank all of these individuals for their service to our nation and value them for their numerous contributions to our Fishers Island community.
A “wreath laying at sea” ceremony took place earlier during the Sea Stretcher’s Sunday morning check-run with Captain Dave Burnham, Navigator Joe Brock. Tim and Sharon Patterson laid a wreath in memory of their beloved daughter, Meaghan Patterson Carter, who, over the course of her career was a civic leader, a firefighter, EMT, paramedic, and LPN.
A wreath was laid at the American Legion in memory and honor of all the aforementioned servicemen. And, one was laid at the Village Green in honor of Don Brown.
