As I write this, it is the 80th anniversary of D-Day, a date which will live in infamy. This special anniversary comes less than two weeks after Memorial Day – a day which I consider to be one of the most important days of the year.
This year’s Clarence’s Memorial Day Remembrance was a very special one to remember. The Bee’s headline on their Memorial Day edition stated that “rain did not damper ceremonies.” It certainly didn’t. Sometimes “Less is More”. This year’s remembrance honoring our nation’s war dead in the parks’ clubhouse brought over 300 hundred of our residents inside for the ceremonies. The ambiance of our clubhouse made this year’s event even more special, honoring our fallen dead.
Thank you, American Legion Post 838, for every year making sure our fallen were honored. Commander Terry Dickinson Sr. and Legion member Randy Garver led the ceremony which featured students from the Clarence High School performing for those in attendance. Newly appointed Town Historian Joseph McGreevy highlighted the Clarence residents who lost their lives fighting for our country.
13 veterans were added to the honor walls this year. Chairperson of the Clarence Veterans Memorial and Clarence Rotarian Chrissy Casilio Bluhm along with members of the Clarence Rotary Club read off the names and service history of the new veterans on the wall. The Clarence Rotary Foundation funded the Veterans Memorial which forever will make sure we remember those who have served. Additionally, the rain held off long enough to have five area Veterans raise the military branch flags for the 2024-2025 year.
Someone who was sorely missed at this year’s event was Ginger Lindner, who also held a strong presence with the American Legion at the parades every year. Ginger’s love and respect of our nation’s military and veterans was so special to our community. She served 16 years as a past president of the Clarence American Legion Auxiliary, post 838. She developed the idea of sending care packages to the military. She, along with several Auxiliary ladies sent over 6,000 care packages over time. The Clarence Rotary Foundation is in the early stages of planning to continue this tradition in Ginger’s memory.
At the end of this month, the Clarence Rotary Club will be once again bringing back Fireworks in the Park. The event will be from 4 p.m., until dusk, with dozens of other local organizations participating to help make this a great event! The goal was to keep it simple, yet family-friendly and fun. It was also very important for the Clarence Rotary Club to use this event as a catalyst for several other organizations to raise money. The event will be held on Saturday, June 29th – which happens to also be the day of the Clarence High School graduation.
In the past, there were a handful of times when this event was held on the same day as the High School Graduation – and it traditionally showed an extremely strong attendance.
Please note that only pre-approved vendors will be allowed to sell anything in the park – especially since we are trying to support our local non-profit organizations.
Thank you in advance to the committee that has been working hard since the beginning of the year in planning for this event.
Lastly, Congratulations and best of luck to the Class of 2024. As you embark on your journey towards a bright future, carry with you the memories and lessons from your hometown, for it's the roots that nourish the tallest trees.