Vietnam Veterans of America Central New York Chapter 103

Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 103 Memorial Day Watchfire

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The next Watchfire will take place on Sunday, May 29th, 2011 in the Veterans Memorial Watchfire Park at the NYS Fairgrounds (See annotated aerial photograph below). The watchfire ceremony and lighting of the pyre commence at dusk, but do go earlier to get a good spot! Food and drink vendors will be on-site.

The watchfire stems from the military tradition that following a battle or long march, a large fire would be started so those missing or lost could locate and rejoin their comrades. Using that time honored model, we symbolically use the warmth and light of the watchfire to guide everyone to join us and reflect on those who have gone before us and made our nation strong through their sacrifices.

V V A Chapter 103 uses the watchfire and accompanying ceremony to make Memorial Day more meaningful for everyone in the community. We invite veterans and non-veterans to gather at the watchfire to honor those who have so faithfully served the nation.

In 1995 the event honored the American veterans of World Wars I, II and Korea. In 1996 we dedicated the event to the Gold Star Mothers. In 1997 the event was dedicated to honor Women in Service. Please help us to ensure that Memorial Day does not pass without a suitable remembrance of the women who have served and are serving the nation. The years following 1997 have been dedicated to all United States of America Veterans. Come join us at the watchfire to make Memorial Day an event that honors all those who have served and given their all for our way of life.

The watchfire also allows VVA Chapter 103 to provide the community with an opportunity to respectfully and properly retire unserviceable American Flags. You are encouraged to bring tattered, worn or faded American Flags for respectful burning on the pyre.



Click on the arrow-button centered in the picture immediately below to start a 3.1 minute video of the Central New York V V A, Chapter 103 Watchfire-2010.

Click on the arrow-button centered in the picture immediately below to start a 1.3 minute video of the lighting and burning of the watchfire, with flyover by the OCSD Air One helicopter.

THANK YOU The officers and members of V V A, Chapter 103 wish to publicly thank the following organizations and individuals for their generous and unfailing support of the Chapter effort to build and operate the Memorial Day Watchfire: Watchfire Sponsors and Supporters: Masters Touch Chorale and Director, Warren Ottey Manny Falcone and the Riders Group Mr. Al Chemotti, Bugler Dale Bloss, Bagpipes Boy Scout Troop 209, Liverpool N.Y.S. Fair Grounds Crew and Dan O'Hara, Director Carpenters Union Members, Local 747 The numerous veterans and other volunteers who helped construct the fire Solvay and Lakeside Fire Departments for stand-by fire protection Onondaga County Sheriffs Department, Sheriff Kevin Walsh and OCSD Air One personnel Onondaga County Special Deputies Unit for Security City of Syracuse, Mayor Stephanie Minor, and John Walsh, Parks and Recreation for the Stage Danny Boscoe's Food Booth Food Donations: Ray Simcuski, New Generation Food Service Dino and Joe's Pizza, Baldswinsville Mario Salvo's Pizza, DeWitt Pavones Pizza Italian Chef Others: Booher's Lumber Co. Campers World Paul Dufault & Shirley who ran the 50/50 raffle Sales Ladies in Tent; Carol Lazarus, Christine Larkin and her friend, Sue THE VETERANS MEMORIAL WATCHFIRE PARK

Vietnam Veterans of America Central New York Chapter# 103 P.O. Box 675 Liverpool, NY 13088 Email: webmaster@cnyvva103.org