The next Watchfire will take place on Sunday, May 27th, 2012 in the Veterans Memorial Watchfire Park at the New York State Fairgrounds, Syracuse, NY. (See annotated aerial photograph at page end).
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 symbolically, we use the warmth and light of our Watchfire to guide everyone to join us in reflection of those comrades who have gone before us and made our nation strong through their service and sacrifice.
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 a respectful burning on the pyre.
VVA CHAPTER 103 WATCHFIRE 2011 VIDEO
To view the 2.8 minute 2011 Watchfire video, click on the right-arrow button centered in the picture below.
The video quality and viewing size option options become available on mouse-over when the video begins.
The Watchfire 2011 Thank You List
VVA Chapter 103 publicly thanks the following organizations and individuals for their untiring support of the Chapter 103 Watchfire Project.
The event Chairmen, Bill Martin, also Pete Bronstad and the Watchfire Committee without whom this event would not take place.
The volunteers, under the direction of Bill Malloy, who helped build the pyre and the Carpenters Union whose members volunteered their time and labor.
The members of VVA Chapter 103 who worked extremely hard to make the Watchfire available to the community.
The volunteers in the tent selling our products; especially Chris Larkin, Paul DuFault and Shirley Matt.
Dick Madden, the voice of the Watchfire, for his announcing abilities.
The Great New York State Fair and especially Dan O'Hara, the Fair Director; Matt Morgan, Deputy Director, and Jeananne Keegan-Smith, Concessions and Exhibits Manager, who allow us to use the fairgrounds property.
The Solvay Fire Department for stand-by fire protection.
Syracuse Mayor, Stephanie Miner, and the Parks and Recreation Staff, under the direction of Commissioner Baye Muhammad, who make the stage and sound system available.
The Master's Touch Chorale, Directed by Warren Ottey.
Mr. Al Chemotti, a World War-II and Korean War veteran, who has played the Watchfire Taps every year since 1995.
Dale Bloss who played the bag pipes so beautifully.
The members of the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office for providing event security and the Air One fly-over.
Danny Bosco and his staff for making food and beverages available for this event.
The Veterans Administration Medical Center for sponsoring a tent so the Vet Center had an opportunity to council veterans on site.
The Syracuse Chiefs Basball for donating gifts to the Chapter tent sale.
Pavone's Pizza for giving pizzas to the Watchfire Staff.
Manny Falcone for leading the motorcycle rally and the motorcycle riders generous donation to the Chapter.
The Chief of Syracuse Police, Frank L. Fowler, and the Department for providing traffic control within the city for more than 100 motorcycles.
Mr. Ray Simcuski for the lunches provided to the Watchfire building crew.
Dunkin Donuts for the coffee and food that energized the Watchfire morning building crew.
If we inadvertently omitted anyone from the thank you list, we apologize. Let us know and the omission will be corrected.
Thanks to everyone who came out and made this the Central New York premier Memorial Day event.
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
