Thursday - April 22: Members of Wellsville's Veterans Memorial Council met this past Thursday evening at the Tommy Mackall VFW Post. Reports of recent activities and wrapping up plans for this year's Memorial Day Ceremony was on the agenda.
Don Brown reported that new flags at the Springhill Cemetery chapel have been put up along with Yost Park and Hammonds Park. Yost Park is the little area dedicated last year at the 11th St. playground in memory of the late Mr. Bill Yost. Mr. Yost was a very active member of the Memorial Council often taking upon himself to do tasks without asking for any help. It was just one of the many things he did to honor our nation's veterans.
With just one name left to plug in for this year's ceremony Debbie Koffel advises the planning is nearly completed. All the other participants have confirmed their part of the program. Koffel will act as Master-of-Ceremonies this year. Once again two of Wellsville's own will be the speakers. Asst. County Prosecutor Tim McNicol will speak at the opening ceremonies that take place at the 4th St. Veterans Memorial. County Commissioner Penny Traina will be the keynote speaker at the Springhill portion. Beaver Local's Marine JROTC under the command of Major McGraft will handle the Honor Guard duties. Boy Scout Troop 29 will assist with placing the flags on the veteran's graves and be part of the honor guard. WHS students Mark Sullivan, Shannon Davis & Danny Dye will be reciting the traditional Gettsburg Address, Flanders Field & Hallowed Ground. The WHS Band under the direction of Mrs. Jennifer Gooch will be on hand for all musical selections. WWII Veteran & Memorial Council Veteran Mel Boggs will be on hand making sure us "youngsters" are doing a proper job honoring the veterans. Don Brown reported he wants to get the line up to the printer as soon as possible. He advises Charlie Soma is preparing to close up shop and move to California to be near family.
Placing flags on all veteran's graves is scheduled for Saturday, May 5, beginning at 1100 hours. Everyone from the community is invited to lend a hand. There will be a Tag Day held Saturday, May 15. All donations are appreciated.
Council member George Crews was on hand to up-date the plans to raise a new bill board memorial naming all Wellsville Area veterans. Years ago there was one on Main St. next door to the old City Hall near 5th St. Shoub Towers now stand where that one use to be. Crews reported a fund was already started to cover the cost. A location has been found and a sign company agreed to help lend their expertise. We'll have more on that later. Anyone wishing to donate to getting the sign erected can mail their donations to the Wellsville VFW in care of Crews, marked for the Wellsville Honor Roll Fund. The fund raising has a long way to go.
Pictured above is Cub Scout Dominic Walker helping to place flags last year. Next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 6 at 7 P.M. at the VFW.
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