Frank Speziale Photo

NORWICH – A number of Chenango County citizens made the most of a rainy Memorial Day yesterday, May 29, in spite of inclement weather that prevented some of the customary holiday traditions.

In lieu of the parade which was forwent due to heavy rain, the silver-lining of yesterday's events was when would-be parade-goers congregated in Norwich Fire Department to hear the words of guest speaker and retired Army Sergeant Major John Sheldon.

Sheldon offered attendees a reminder of why we celebrate Memorial Day in the first place.

"As generations pass, the meaning of this day sometimes becomes distant or vague," said Sheldon. "Over the years, Memorial Day has become lost to commercialism or just drowned in forgetful indulgence."

He went on to posit that in too many cases, people view Memorial Day as just an opportunity to have a day off from work, or to cash-in on certain sales being offered at local stores.