Memorial Day in St. Regis

With less traffic in town, participants in the Memorial Day ceremony in St. Regis were able to march at a more leisurely pace this year from Mullan Square down to the bridge over the St. Regis River.

Even without the annual Flea Market and with social distancing measures waning, a fairly large crowd gathered on May 25 to pay tribute and remember military personnel who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

The progressive Memorial Day service began at 11 a.m. at Mullan Square where American Legion Post 13 opened with prayer from Chaplain Ernie Ornelas. He prayed, “Almighty God and Heavenly Father, we seek Your blessing as we gather with friends, loved ones and comrades to honor the memory of those soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen who gave the supreme sacrifice of their life, so that we may enjoy the blessings of freedom in the Republic of these free United States.”

Ornelas has been a part of the Memorial Day observances in St. Regis for over 20 years. His military service began in 1974 during Vietnam in the U.S. Navy, and he retired in 1998. His service included both active and reserve, in both enlisted and as a commissioned officer. During his enlisted time, he served with the U.S. Marine Corps as a Navy combat corpsman and then retired as a Navy Commander.

For Ornelas the ceremony is personal, he shared, “Having lost my uncle Pete in the Korean War, as well as friends during Vietnam, Memorial Day holds special significance. Not only to memorialize family and friends, but also all military comrades who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our Nation.”

As the services continued, riflemen Vince Triplett and Dave Carrott formed the firing squad, shot off three rounds for the departed heroes. The flag was put to half-mast, and a wreath of lilacs was laid at its base during the presentation of taps.

Following the direction of the Honor Guard the crowd was welcomed to walk to the refrain of bagpipes, played by Geoff McMillion, to the bridge. A lilac wreath was tossed into the St. Regis River, a prayer was offered, shots rang out once again and taps was played.

The procession ended in the same fashion at the St. Regis Cemetery. Chaplain Ornelas concluded the service and prayed, “Heavenly Father, Today we remember and pay tribute to the men and women of the Armed Services who have died in the defense of our nation and her pursuit of liberty; from the first days of the Revolution to current days in Iraq and Afghanistan, they paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we hold so dear.”

American Legion Ray Welch Post 13 has been conducting the Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony since its formation back in 1949.

Scott Burrows, has been Post Adjutant for the past four years. As for this year’s turnout he said, “It was better than we expected to tell the truth. Of course, we have a sort of fan base but others see us as well. We hope they understand why we do this.”

During this year’s remembrance ritual, the Honor Guard consisted of flagbearers John Feazelle and Mitch Sansom. Gene Brown was the bugler. Chaplain Ornelas, Master at Arms and Unit Commander Ken Altman, Master of Ceremonies Scott Burrows. The wreathes were handmade by John Cheesman. Post Commander Bobby Carroll was unable to attend.

A ceremony will be held on Flag Day, Sunday, June 14 at the American Legion Hall in St. Regis at 6 p.m. to properly dispose of old, worn out flags.

For those wishing to attend or to have a flag disposed, please contact Scott Burrows.