Yesterday morning Wellsville residents, guests and members of the Veteran's Memorial Council paid tribute to all the men and women through the ages that have served this great nation of ours. The opening ceremony was held at the 4th Street Square Veteran's Memorial. That particular memorial was built in the 19th century following the war between the states. Like America, in conflicts before the Civil War and since then, it has stood the test of time. To this day it is symbolic of the sacrifices made by many to preserve and defend American freedom.
Memorial Council Member Debbie Koffel served as the Master-of-Ceremonies and introduced all the assembled guests. Special recognition was given to Charlie Stoffel and Melvin Boggs, both veterans of WWII. Stoffel is the last surviving Wellsville resident with the distinction of being a POW in the European Theater. Just days before being executed he escaped German captivity and eventually reached the Russian front. Stoffel was awarded with three Purple Hearts for injuries suffered in that conflict.
Mayor Joe Surace welcomed everyone on behalf of the Village. Village Council Members Joe Soldano & Susan Haugh offered a few brief remarks. Soldano spoke of his father and how proud of him he is for his service to his country. Haugh recalled the days of the Viet Nam Conflict and her memories of those times when her older brother Robert Miller was serving in that "tropical paradise". Haugh introduced her brother to the crowd. Please excuse our use of the term "tropical paradise". We mean not to take away from the horrors of war. It comes from a sense of humor used by many G.I.s from the beginning of time to escape those horrors. No disrespect is intended.
Riverside Presbyterian Pastor, Rev. William Betteridge offered the invocations and benedictions. Memorial Council Members Don Brown & Dale Barnhart presented the colors and with the help of Robert Witherow paid tribute to all fallen veterans. Wellsville Boy Scout Troop 29 along with Major McGraft & members of the Beaver Local Marine Jr. ROTC served as the Color Guard. They were assisted by members of both the Wellsville Fire, Volunteer Fire & Police Departments. Musical selections were provided by the WHS Band under the direction of Mrs. Jennifer Gooch.
Brief remarks were given by 91 year old Memorial Council President Melvin Boggs. Boggs was one of the founding members of the council when it was formed in 1960 and has served on it since then. Boggs was drafted into the service in 1941 just months before the bombing of Pearl Harbor. What he originally thought was only going to be a two year hitch lasted until late in 1945, near the end of WWII.
Keynote speaker at the Opening Ceremonies was Asst. CC Prosecuting Attorney Tim McNicol who told us he grew up just down the street. Some of his earliest memories go back to Memorial Days past. He reminded everyone to thank a vet for all the freedoms Americans enjoy today.
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