Members of the Norwich VFW and the American Legion after the 2021 Memorial Day service and wreath placing ceremony in front of the World War II monument in West Park. On Monday, May 30, VFW and Legion members will hold a parade beginning at 11 a.m., followed by Memorial Day services in West Park. (Photo by Sarah Genter)

NORWICH — Lt. Warren E. Eaton, DSC, American Legion Post 189 - Norwich, NY Commander David Lawton has announced the Memorial Day events for Monday, May 30 to honor veterans of all wars, POW/MIAs, the victims of the September 11, 2001 World Trade Center, Pentagon, and Flight 93 terrorist attacks, and the present-day war on terrorism.

The Memorial Day activities will include a parade, guest speaker, veteran ceremonies, and the traditional Color Guard live fire salute, followed by the playing of Taps. In addition, there will be a tribute to the deceased veterans of the past year who were members of the Norwich American Legion Post 189 and/or Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2782.

Starting at 10:15 a.m., participants in the Memorial Day parade will line up at the VFW, located at 61 East Main Street in Norwich. The parade will begin promptly at 11 a.m. and will proceed west on East and West Main Street to the West Side Park, where Memorial Services will be conducted in front of the World War II monument.

The West Side Park is located at the center of the City of Norwich, on which the Chenango County Courthouse is located. Disabled and senior veterans can park in the first seven parking spaces on West Park Place, which will be designated as temporary handicap parking. Designated seating will also be available for disabled and senior veterans in the West Side Park.

This year's guest speaker is Mr. Edwin J. Tucker, CSM, USA, retired. Mr. Tucker grew up in Norwich, graduating from Norwich High School in 1955. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on January 29, 1960. Overseas assignments include Libya, Hawaii, Vietnam twice, and Germany on three occasions. Stateside assignments include Fort Riley, KS; Fort Belvoir, VA; Fort Sill, OK; Fort Bragg, NC; Fort Bliss, TX; Enlisted Advisor duty in New Hampshire with 197th Field Artillery Brigade; and twice and Fort Knox, KY.

Mr. Tucker's medals and decorations include Legion of Merit; Bronze Star Medal, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster; Good Conduct Award, 9th Oak Leaf Cluster; National Defense Medal; Vietnam Campaign Medal; Order of St. George from USA Armor Association; and Ancient Order of St. Barbara from USA Field Association.

Mr. Tucker retired at Fort Knox, KY on January 31, 1990, after 30 years of service. Mr. Tucker presently serves as Adjutant and Membership Chair of Post 189, and Adjutant of the Chenango County American Legion Committee.

Following the conclusion of the Memorial Day ceremonies, the Honor Guards from the American Legion and VFW Posts will conduct military services at the Mount Hope and St. Paul's cemeteries for veterans buried there. A floating wreath will be placed in the Canasawacta Creek in memory of those lost at sea.

Following the conclusion of the Purple Heart Monument Dedication, which follows the Memorial Day Ceremony, the American Legion will host a light lunch and refreshments at the Legion Post, located at 29 Sheldon Street in Norwich from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Unserviceable American and state flags can be brought to the Legion Post for dignified and respectful disposal, which will be held at a time to be decided.

-Information provided by the American Legion Post 189