Lake George Memorial Day ceremony honors the nation’s fallen heroes

Lake George honored military members who gave their lives in service of their country with a Memorial Day parade and wreath-laying ceremony Saturday morning in Shepard Park. Lake George American Legion Post 374 organized the parade and performed the service as they have done every year since 1921.

“We at the American Legion wish all families will continue to teach their children why we gather each year to honor the dead of all wars,” says Angie Vernum, Post 374 Second Vice Commander. “We help [ensure that] the teaching of love of country and the respect of our flag is passed down to generations to come.”

Gold Star Mother Cindy Roberts attended the ceremony. Cindy and Bob Roberts lost their daughter, Sergeant Kristie Roberts, in 2012. Kristie served as a paramedic in the Army National Guard.

The morning’s event began with a parade along Beach Road and Canada Street led by the Lake George Steamboat Company’s calliope truck playing United States military branch anthems. The American Legion, the Lake George Fire Department and Auxiliary, the Lake George Community Band and Girl Scout Troop 3897 marched in the procession, followed by Lake George Fire Department trucks. Children waving small American flags lined Canada Street as the parade progressed to Shepard Park.

At the park, Post 374 Adjutant Gary Vernum addressed those gathered at the Veterans Memorial, saying, “Comrades, this day is sacred with the almost visible presence of those who have gone before us. We honor the memory of those who gave their lives in the service of our country and of those others who have dropped their burdens by the wayside of life and are gone to their eternal rest. May the ceremonies of today deepen our reverence to our departed friends and comrades. Let us remember our pledge of loyalty to our country and its flag. Let us be resolved by word and deed to emphasize the privilege and beauty of patriotism. Comrades, on this Memorial Day, let us pledge ourselves anew to patriotic service.”

Following Vernum’s speech, the Lake George Junior High School Band performed the “Star-Spangled Banner.” American Legion Commander Ted Beaudet ushered representatives of the American Legion, the Legion Auxiliary, the Sons of the American Legion and the Lake George Fire Department to the Veterans Memorial to lay wreaths. Lake George Girl Scout Daisies, Brownies and Juniors placed flowers at the monument.

Members of the Hudson Falls American Legion Post 574 stood along a hill overlooking Lake George and fired a three-volley salute. The ceremony concluded with the playing of “Taps”.

Featured image: Lake George American Legion Post Adjutant Gary Vernum places a wreath at the Veterans Memorial in Shepard Park escorted by Post Commander Ted Beaudet.