Memorial Day Parade hits 139 years

Jeanne Sager

Posted 6/2/23

FREMONT CENTER — The second oldest Memorial Day parade in New York State hit its 139th year Monday with veterans leading a long line of marchers, floats and drivers down the county road …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Memorial Day Parade hits 139 years

Al Steppich, veteran and Grand Marshal from the Town of Delaware of this year’s parade, rode in the back of a car with granddaughter Ava.

Jeanne Sager | Democrat

Cal Ripken league ball players hold their flags in honor of the fallen soldiers.

Jeanne Sager | Democrat

Veteran Art Flynn leads the annual pre-parade ceremony in honor of those who lost their lives fighting for our country.

Jeanne Sager | Democrat

Vietnam veteran Mike Ristics of Damascus, PA, places a flower on the memorial wreath in memory of his fallen comrades.

Jeanne Sager | Democrat

Maci Berlingeri waves a flag while riding in her seat on the Wreaths Across America float.

Jeanne Sager | Democrat

Left: Sawyer Haff grins from behind his patriotic shades on the Small Town Country 4H float.

Jeanne Sager | Democrat

A Long Eddy fireman throws up a wave to the crowd.

Jeanne Sager | Democrat

Members of the Sullivan West band brought their musical talents to the parade.

Jeanne Sager | Democrat

Shawn Bailey of Mileses can be seen through the salute of a Vietnam veteran as he sings the national anthem.

Jeanne Sager | Democrat

Posted Friday, June 2, 2023 6:10 am

Jeanne Sager

FREMONT CENTER — The second oldest Memorial Day parade in New York State hit its 139th year Monday with veterans leading a long line of marchers, floats and drivers down the county road through Fremont Center.

This year’s post-parade service was dedicated to the memory of Dave Buddenhagen, a Korean War veteran and devout volunteer who served his country in the Navy and his community in the Hortonville Fire Department for decades.

As Master of Ceremonies Brian Brustmann noted, “We all have our fond memories [of Dave], except maybe the trout.”

As is tradition, the parade kicked off after a ceremony dedicated to those who died in service to the country, led by local veterans at Veteran’s Park.