Closing exercises for this year's Wellsville observance of Memorial Day was held at the chapel in Spring Hill Cemetery. According to Wellsville Historical Society President Robert "Brassy" Beresford, Spring Hill Cemetery is the final resting place of veterans going all the way back to the Revolution. There are over 1,800 veterans buried there.
Wellsville High School Juniors Bobby Sullivan recited the Gettysburg Address, Shannon Davis read Flanders field and Danny Dye the poem Hallowed Ground. The WHS Band provided musical selections and the always haunting rendition of Taps.
Keynote speaker for the concluding ceremonies was CC Commissioner Penny Traina but she yeilded the podium to her good friend Dr. Michael Traina. Dr. Traina is a retired college professor but he says, first and foremost, he is a U.S. veteran. Dr. Traina was an Army medic and spoke that America's real heroes are all those that served our country willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, if necessary, to defend our freedom. Although they have the same last name the two Trainas claim they are not related.
Mrs. Charles David was recognized as being one of two of Wellsville's remaining Gold Star Mothers. The other is Mrs. Alice McGraw, who was unable to attend. A Gold Star Mother is one that lost a son or daughter while they were serving in the Armed Forces. Mrs. David was presented a bouquet by Master of Ceremonies Debbie Koffel.
Members of the Wellsville Police Department gave the 21 gun salute. Echoing across the hills it sounded like a 42 gun salute. Kudos were given to the Village employees for getting the cemetery in show case condition.
With hundreds, upon hundreds of flags fluttering in the breeze on each veteran's grave there is no doubt that Wellsville is truly grateful to all of their veterans that have gone on before us.
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