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Photos: Batavia Memorial Day Parade

By Howard B. Owens

There was a nice turn out on a bright sunny day for Batavia's Memorial Day Parade.

More pictures after the jump:

 

 

 

jonathan bell

i look at these pictures and it rassures my belief that this country has gotten overly selfish. today is memorial day decicated to the soldiers and marines that gave their lives for us. you have today off as a paid holiday because of them and yet batavia has a parade and 1 percent of batavians show up to say thank you. If it wasnt for those people who served in the 20's 30's and 40's you wouldnt have the freedoms you have today. and another thing. last time i was home on leave i noticed alot of batavians left their american flags up at night. are you away that not only is it a federal crime to leave a flag up at night without a light being on it but its seriously disrespectful. I love batavia and i would love to finsih the next 16 years retire and buy a home in batavia but the people there just dont get it your so wrapped up in your own lives you dont care about anyone else. whens the last time one of you stopped by the VA nursing home and just talked to one of the many ww2 vets there? Pat Potwora born and raised in batavia just got back from iraq 2 weeks ago he was active duty went to afghanistan then got out and joined the reserves and deployed again to iraq why was there no article done about him no interview not even a mention maybe someone should look him up and say thank you to him since you were so busy on your day off you couldnt attend a 30 minute long parade. next time i make my way to western new york i only hope people get things together and stop being so damn selfish

May 31, 2010, 11:18pm Permalink
C D

Sheesh, better put everyone in federal prison for leaving a flag up at night without a light. It's obviously a horrible thing to do and should definitely be a federal crime. I'm sure we can all agree that murder, rape, and arson don't even begin to compare.

Seriously, guy? Seriously? Are you really going to cop a fit over some pretty insignificant things and call western New Yorkers selfish?

Jun 1, 2010, 1:05am Permalink
Jason Smith

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed annually on the last Monday of May. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. soldiers who died while in the military service.[1] First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War – it is celebrated near the day of reunification after the Civil War – it was extended after World War I to honor Americans who have died in ALL wars. I think its disappointing that more people don't come out to show their appreciation and respect for fallen service members, and veterans past and present.

Chris, shame on you for mocking a true patriot. Mr. Bell is stating that people cannot even show respect for our symbol of freedom, the American Flag, and the people who have fought and bled to keep this country free.

Jun 1, 2010, 3:46am Permalink
Jeremiah Pedro

Seriously Chris? "...some pretty insignificant things..."
Like what?
Like some of your fellow Americans who served their country sacrificed their lives for it?
Or maybe the American flag, the symbol of the country who those fallen service members sacrificed for?

Your response to Mr. Bell's post is the exact sense of apathy that his comment is pointing out in the first place.
It is quite obvious that you feel the American flag and the way it is displayed is just "...some pretty insignificant things..."

Jun 1, 2010, 6:11am Permalink
Jeremiah Pedro

@Mr. Bell

There is no federal law regarding the proper display of the flag. There is however the Federal Flag Code. "...The Federal Flag Code is only a guide to be followed on a purely voluntary basis..."

http://www.senate.gov/reference/resources/pdf/RL30243.pdf

@Mr. Olin The fact that there is no law preventing someone from displaying the flag with out illumination does not change the fact your comment was very insensitive to both former and current service members, their families and anyone who does respect them and the U.S. Flag.

Jun 1, 2010, 6:10am Permalink
Ben Fisher

dam relax you ever thought people had other things to do your putting people down who have nothing to do with it no body is trying to be selfish you like batavia so much keep that shit to your self obviously you have nothing better to do then look for problems and complain do you know what fire fighters go through to keep place safe as possible as well as the cops

Jun 1, 2010, 11:18am Permalink
Chris Charvella

Jonathan, from a former Airman to a current Soldier: Thank you. Whether they know it or not, the people in your home town are in your debt.

Jun 1, 2010, 11:16am Permalink
Michele Case

I look at these posts and I realize how selfish some people are. I spent Monday morning attending a hospice death and taking care of the needs of some of my hospice patients. I imagine probably 25% of us were working the holiday. For the rest of you, I hope everyone did take at least a few minutes as I did to honor our fallen veterans and say a prayer for those who are active now. I realize that it is your individual choice as to how you do this and I will not condemn you regardless as no person has the right to judge another. I see all kinds of people in my profession, and you know, I see alot of people suffer. Life is too short. Love your family, love your friends, treat strangers kindly and try not to be so self righteous. You never know when your time will end, or you might lose someone close to you. Remember people suffer everyday and we need to show everyone compassion.

Jun 1, 2010, 12:39pm Permalink
jonathan bell

i thank you all who understand what the flag stand for. it isnt just a piece of fabric its what the flag stands for and how many people have given their lives in defense of that flag

Jun 1, 2010, 12:39pm Permalink
bud prevost

Michele said "Life is too short. Love your family, love your friends, treat strangers kindly and try not to be so self righteous."

The best advice I've seen given in ages. I'll admit, I need a little work on the self righteous point, but I'm really good about the other three. Thanks for the eye opener Michele, and thank you for the job you do. I couldn't fathom what you see on a regular basis, and I'm not sure I could. Peace :)

Jun 1, 2010, 12:53pm Permalink
C D

@Jeremiah Pedro, regarding insignificant things.

Jonathan made his rant over people leaving flags left up overnight without any lights and "1% of Batavia" coming out for the parade, amongst other things. These are the insignificant things I'm talking about.

I've listened and talked with dozens of WW2 vets. I've heard enough stories that I could write a novel. I've done computer and electronics work free of charge for people I've known to be vets or on active duty. Memorial Day or not, the world doesn't stop spinning on its axis. There's still things that need to be done. Since the majority of the nation doesn't have to work, that makes Memorial Day one of the few days out of the year to get those things done.

Attending the parade is an option. It has nothing to do with respect or lack thereof. There's better ways to thank and show respect for veterans and active servicemen/women by watching people walk along the road for a few hours when there's far more productive things that could be done.

To clarify, I wasn't mocking him. I was being sarcastic. Contrary to popular myth, there is a difference between the two. I can understand where he's coming from. I just completely disagree with his reasoning.

Jun 1, 2010, 1:58pm Permalink
George Richardson

I look at these pictures and think about how many other Batavians, who had to work on Memorial Day, will appreciate getting to see them. Not to mention how much I can enjoy them from Austin, Texas. A bunch of those kids look tired but the Cub Scout, riding the dad pulled go cart, seems to be enjoying himself. I always wanted one of those. The Batavian just gets better and better. That's the way it is with a labor of love. Thank you, Howard and Billie, once again.

Jun 1, 2010, 10:11pm Permalink
Lori Ann Santini

Howard,

Great pics of the parade... Question for you? Is there any way to purchase a copy of pictures that you take. The reason I ask is that in two seperate pics you posted are two of my three children. Plus my daughters' cousin is also the subject in yet another. It would be another way for you to gain some revenue for equipment and the paper.

Although I am not related to the three WW2 vets, I would love a shot of them too. How amazing is it that men that fought in a war 70 years ago are still able to fit into their uniforms and walk that route with pride. Their pride and effort is why we should take the time to celebrate the day.

Thank you for covering Batavia and Genesee County with a love that hides the fact that you are new to the area.

Jun 1, 2010, 11:10pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

There is a vendor I've known for years that makes it possible for news photos from sites such as this to be purchased online. I haven't set up that account yet -- just haven't had time.

When people e-mail me for photos, I try to reply, but if I haven't specifically saved them as high resolution, it can take me a while to respond. My e-mail address is howard at the batavian dot com.

H.

Jun 1, 2010, 11:55pm Permalink
mary jane ely

i want to say thankyou to rose marie christian and barb lewis for working so hard for our veterans so they could have the memorial day parade. i was proud to march with the vfw auxilary and proud that my dad served his country in the koren war. and i know that all the veterans that were in the parade were a proud group of men. thank you again and god bless everyone.

mary jane e

Jun 2, 2010, 7:53am Permalink
Laura Russell Ricci

The VETERAN, not the preacher, gave us freedom of religion.
The VETERAN, not the reporter, gave us freedom of the press.
The VETERAN, not the poet, gave us freedom of speech.
The VETERAN, not the campus organizer, gave us freedom to assemble.
The VETERAN, not the lawyer, gave us the right to a fair trial....
The VETERAN, not the politician, gave us the right to vote.

Jun 2, 2010, 10:43am Permalink

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