American Legion Post 376 Honor Guard on Memorial Day at Riverview Cemetery last year. The Honor Guard will perform the four traditional services again this year on Monday, May 29. Pictured L to R: Herb Lashway, Wendell McGrath, James Pollard, James Smith, Ron Blanford, Fred Baker, and [Post Commander] Darlene Ardron. (Photo by Jeanie Petersen)

OXFORD – Memorial Day has become the most important day of recognition of our armed forces. It’s a day we remember and reflect on many wars and our country's heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country. On Monday, May 29, four memorial services will take place in Oxford by the American Legion Post 376 Honor Guard, rain or shine. There will not be a parade in Oxford this year. 


At 7:45 a.m., the Honor Guard will begin the morning with the wreath laying ceremony and rifle salute at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery on West State Street. 


At 8:30 a.m., the Honor Guard will perform a salute honoring those who died at sea at the Main Street Bridge (that crosses over the Chenango River). The American Legion Auxiliary president, Louise Spicer, will perform the wreath ceremony, tossing a memorial garland into the Chenango River, followed by a rifle salute.

At 9:00 a.m., the Honor Guard will be at the Riverview Cemetery with a ceremony placing a wreath honoring the memory of the departed, and a rifle salute. 


At 10:00 a.m., the Legion Honor Guard will go to Warn-TenBroeck Cemetery (on Rte 12, seven miles south of Oxford), to place a wreath and to salute the deceased.


After the ceremonies, plan to have some BBQ chicken cooked by the SAL members, Tim, Tim & Team. This Legion fundraiser will be ready starting at 9 a.m., at the Post 376 Legion, on the Route 12 side. 


Enjoy and respect the holiday, however you choose to do so. Always take time to remember the RED, WHITE and BLUE and those who gave their all for us.


For more info, contact Post 376, 607-843-8166; or email AmerLegion@stny.rr.com.