Veterans Day

Press Release:

In honor of Veterans Day, the Holland Land Office Museum (HLOM) and the Anna Ingalsbe Lovell Chapter NSDAR are hosting a Veterans Open House on Wednesday, November 6, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The HLOM and DAR chapter’s appreciation for their service will include special “thank you” gifts for each veteran, waiving their admission fee, and providing refreshments. 

The Anna Ingalsbe Lovell chapter members honor our Revolutionary patriots and support current and retired military personnel with donations and programs. 

Press Release:

Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer in New York, northern Pennsylvania, and Vermont, announced today that the company will once again offer military personnel and their immediate families an 11 percent discount off of their grocery bill this Veterans Day. This marks the 12th year Tops has been extending this discount to military personnel and their families. 

On Monday, November 11 Tops Markets will honor an 11 percent discount off of a total order to all veterans and immediate family members in the same household, who shop at any Tops location. Customers should present proof of service that they, or an immediate family member are a U.S. Veteran, active duty, reserve or retired military personnel to automatically receive an 11 percent discount off of their total purchase that day.

"The respect and gratitude we feel for those who serve or have served in the military is beyond measure, and for that, we are eternally thankful," said Ron Ferri, president of Tops Friendly Markets. "This annual savings is just one of the many ways we wanted to give back to our local military community by honoring the associates and customers who have bravely defended our nation and made countless sacrifices through their service."

Additionally select Tops locations will be selling 4x6 US flags with a portion of its proceeds being donated back to Buffalo Niagara Honor Flight. Flags will be on sale through Veterans Day.

Tops is a longtime supporter of military associates and customers. The company’s support of military organizations includes, but is not limited to, support of the Wall that Heals, American Veterans Tribute Traveling Wall, Honor Flight Missions and golf tournaments, sending care packages for troops serving domestically and overseas, VA hospital visits, participation in veteran job fairs, parades and expos.

Looking at the short row of veterans seated at the front of the Frank Owens auditorium Thursday morning, one might come to a conclusion that Air Force veteran Lurando Mata had already realized: the pool is decreasing. 

Mata and the other servicemen attended the annual Veterans Day ceremony hosted by Batavia High School. With each passing year, especially for older veterans of World War II and others of decades ago, those who were in the military are no longer here to share their stories.

Mata has lost a couple of buddies to COVID, he said, and his circle of comrades is definitely “shrinking.” 

Yet he continues to attend the high school event, which this year included a talk by state Assemblyman Stephen Hawley, patriotic songs performed by the chorus, band and string groups, and recognition of veterans in the audience. 

For Mata, his reason was simple as to why he wanted to be there. 

“I’m involved in the community,” the 71-year-old said. “I volunteer for Crossroads and Care-a-van, we do events for people.”

As a Native American veteran — his tribe is based in Monterey, California — Mata has experienced hate and judgment, and he just keeps pressing on. He grew up in Washington State and was drafted while in college.

He served in the U.S. Army and in the Air Force Reserves during the Vietnam War, working first on helicopters and then on tanks in corrosion control. 

He was with about a half dozen others who were asked to stand when their signature song for the Armed Forces was played. 

High School Principal Jenni Wesp welcomed and introduced each segment of the program, seeming awestruck with emotion at one point.

“Wow, it’s giving you all the feels,” she said.

Rocco Pellegrino, who attends every year at the request of his two granddaughters and grandson, stood up during the Navy anthem.

“I come every year,” he said, putting his hand to his heart. “It hits right there. It’s very emotional.  It just brings you back, you know. When I was in the service, it takes me back to when my brother served in Vietnam, he was in the infantry, and it was very trying moments, you know. “

Pellegrino, who came to Batavia from Italy when he was 10, wasn’t certain whether today’s youth can fully appreciate what this day is all about.

“I don’t think the kids really understand what we went through,” he said. “A lot of us were drafted. Some of us volunteered. My brother came back from Vietnam, and he says, ‘Rocco, whatever you do, if you get drafted, join the Air Force or the Navy, and see if you could stay out of ‘Nam.”

He was drafted and joined the Navy. It was “the best thing I ever did,” he said, “like they say, it made a man out of you.”

He was based in San Diego and enrolled in dental technician school, where he had the threat of being sent to Vietnam hanging over his head if he flunked out. “They put the fear of God in you,” he said.

“So it was up to you to make it, and then I came here to the East Coast. I was aboard the ship the USS Puget Sound for a year and a half. That was a destroyer tender,” he said. 

It’s the stories of those like Pellegrino and Mata that are important, Hawley said. He encouraged audience members to thank family members who serve or have served and ask them about their experiences. 

“I’m sure many of you have grown up with family members, parents, grandparents, moms, dads, aunts, and uncles who served as well. I'd encourage you, when you go home later today, to take some time, to first thank them for their service and talk to them. And most importantly, in everyday life, but on Veterans Day especially, when you're talking to a veteran, listen to them, listen to what they have to say. Because, hopefully, they're speaking from their heart and from their minds,” Hawley said. “And we need to remember why we're able to assemble here today, free to exchange ideas and free to speak freedom of speech. So please thank a veteran for their service. Not only can their stories inspire us, but veterans also carry an incredible ability to work hard and to contribute to their community right here in Genesee County and right here in Batavia. 

“We have one of the largest populations of veterans in all of New York State. And we can see that hard-working, determined spirit out in our own backyards,” he said. “This is the thing that makes Veterans Day so special; it isn't just about remembering the past. It’s about recognizing the heroes that are around us today. And every day.”

Press Release:

Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer in New York, northern Pennsylvania, and Vermont, announced today that the company will once again offer military personnel and their immediate families an 11 percent discount off of their grocery bill this Veterans Day. 

This marks the 11th year Tops has been extending this discount to military personnel and their families. Since its inception, the Veteran’s Day discount has saved Veterans and their families over $781,000.

On Saturday, Nov. 11 Tops Markets will honor an 11 percent discount off of a total order to all veterans and immediate family members in the same household, who shop at any Tops location. 

Customers should present proof of service that they, or an immediate family member are a U.S. Veteran, active duty, reserve, or retired military personnel to automatically receive an 11 percent discount off of their total purchase that day.

“The respect and gratitude we have for the people who serve and have served in the military is immeasurable, and for that, we are forever grateful,” said Ron Ferri, president, of Tops Friendly Markets. “We wanted to support local military personnel by giving back to our associates and customers who have courageously defended our country and made many sacrifices through their military service.”

Tops is a longtime supporter of military associates and customers. The company’s support of military organizations includes, but is not limited to, support of the Wall that Heals, American Veterans Tribute Traveling Wall, Honor Flight Missions and golf tournaments, sending care packages for troops serving domestically and overseas, VA hospital visits, participation in veteran job fairs, parades and expo, and Tops Stars for Our Troops program by which stars from embroidered US Flags slated for retirement are presented to Veterans, active duty personnel, and first responders.

Organized by Harry Rascoe, director of The Recovery Station on Clinton Street Road, this group participated in the Mission 22 Walk on the Ellicott Trail from the DeWitt Recreation Area on Cedar Street to Seven Springs Road and back to The Recovery Station today to bring awareness to a high rate of suicide among the veteran population. "The Recovery Station (a program of Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse) is here to help everyone in need but on this day we chose to shine a special light on our veterans and their struggles after returning home from military service," Rascoe said. Submitted photo.

Several local veterans were honored Thursday morning during a Veterans Day ceremony at Batavia High School. Band Director Jane Haggett, whose father Robert was amongst the recipients, handed out tokens of appreciation for their service.

They were:

U.S. Army

• Robert Haggett
• William Hughes
• Thomas Steffinella
• Rich Favaloro

U.S. Air Force

• Dennis Mahoney
• Matt Lutey

U.S. Marines

• Colin Dailey, husband of BHS social worker Lindsay
• John Dwyer
• Vincent Pontillo
• John Gombos

U.S. Navy

• Tom Cecere
• Harold McJury
• Rocco Pellegrino

The district also gave a proud shout-out to members of its own school community.

“The BHS community is very fortunate to have three veterans on staff. We thank them for their service to our country and for keeping everyone safe," BHS Principal Paul Kesler said. "We would like to call the three gentlemen up to the front of the auditorium to receive a small token of our appreciation."

• Mr. Greg Ciszak, BHS School Counselor: served his country for 12 years in the 152nd Engineer Company as a Staff Sergeant in the Army National Guard. He was a horizontal construction engineer. His unit was activated for numerous state emergencies including snow storms, floods, and the September 11th World Trade Center disaster.
• Christopher Gorton, a Special Education teacher: joined the Army in 1984 and was in active duty from 1984 to 1989. During a portion of his active duty, Mr. Gorton was stationed in Western Germany. He continued to be on inactive duty from 1989 to 1992. Mr. Gorton was twice awarded the Army Achievement Medal and earned a good conduct medal. His unit received its second presidential unit citation award while he was stationed in West Germany. To this day, Mr. Gorton still carries a Challenge coin from President Reagan, the Commander in Chief, that was given out to the unit.
• BHS Earth Science teacher Christopher Weicher: served in the United States Marine Corps from 1987 to 1991. Mr. Weicher completed two combat deployments during Operation Just Cause in Panama and the Gulf War 1. While serving his country, he received two combat action ribbons, a Presidential Unit Citation, and a Meritorious Unit Citation while serving with the 6th Marine Regiment.

The event included readings from students about what Veterans Day means to them. Adrien Fytros said that veterans are often defined as those who have been in the workforce for an extensive period of time, and those who have served in the military. 

"Those that have served in any branch of the military are easily the least selfish people in our community and should be treated as such. They are those who would put themselves through intense, rough, and enduring training for years to ensure that we can carry on a worry-free life, explore our interests, and pursue our own careers and dreams we’ve sought out," he said. "Veterans Day as a whole is to honor and give a spotlight to these brave and compassionate people that allow us to do everything we’ve desired to do. 

"Veterans Day is a day to honor those who put their family, community, and most of all, their country and its residents before themselves."

Photo: BHS Band Director Jane Haggett hands out tokens of appreciation the district's thanks to veterans during a Veterans Day assembly Thursday at the State Street school in Batavia. Photos by Joanne Beck.

Harold McJury’s four grandchildren ran over to him after an assembly Thursday in Batavia High School’s auditorium.

He had been one of the guests of honor during a Veterans Day ceremony.

“It’s so fun, I get to see my grandpa at school,” granddaughter Lucy Taggart said, just moments after playing the solemn “Taps” on trumpet. “And celebrate him.”

It wasn’t the first such ceremony for McJury, he said, but he liked that this one included students.

“The first thing that goes through my mind is that it's wonderful to have the high school do something like this for the veterans because that helps young people to understand what a veteran is. And then they go on, and maybe they'll be in the service, maybe they won't, but a few of them probably will, so they understand the importance of serving our country,” he said. “And, as far as myself goes, I was very fortunate because I went into service during Vietnam, and I always felt it was my duty to do that. So I figured the best place to be, and would be in the Navy. The Navy is a good place. To be in all the services are good, but I always thought the Navy was something special.”

McJury, a Batavia native, served in the U.S. Navy from 1969 to 1973. The 72-year-old liked submarines and wanted to be stationed on one “since I was a little boy,” he said. He was part of the Submarine Service with the USS Lafayette, which was christened by then-First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy in May 1962.

Married 52 years to his wife Donna, they even had a Christmas dinner on a sub around 1972. Their granddaughter isn’t the only musical one in the family, as all of them are involved in band, and grandpa plays trumpet as well.

He plays for events at the National Cemetery in Corfu and has years of experience.

“So I've played trumpet all my life as well. They're all playing something,” he said. “I feel that being a veteran, and defending our country, is a very important thing. And I do still feel that to this day, there should be a time between high school and college that you serve a year or so. You know, you don't have to stay, you just go for a year. It sort of solidifies all that stuff.”

Thursday’s ceremony included a band medley of various popular and patriotic tunes; vocal solos for “The Star-Spangled Banner” by student Abigail Hoerbelt and “God Bless America” by student Clara Wood; a strings performance of signature military songs, prompting branch members to stand when their song was played; and a message from keynote speaker Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

"There are never enough words to fully express our appreciation and gratitude, gratitude for the sacrifice the veterans have made for our nation,” Hawley said. “Their courage and determination are a true testament to the American spirit and embodiment of freedom and celebration of what our nation stands for.”

A veteran himself, Hawley’s family also served, including his late father R. Stephen Hawley,  who served in Burma during World War II and was awarded a Bronze Star as part of Merrill’s Marauders. Hawley’s uncle also served during World War II, and was awarded a Purple Heart for the wounds he received during the war.

Hawley talked about “one of the crowning pieces of legislation that I've sponsored, that got signed into law,” referring to the Gold Star Families bill that provides free college tuition for Gold Star families who have lost a loved one during military service.

“As we gather here today to honor our heroes, please know we can never say thank you enough for the service of our veterans, to our country. Please, today take a moment to reflect on what it means to live in America, and the sacrifices our veterans have made to keep us safe and free,” he said. “And please thank them for their service when you see them 365 days a year. God bless America. Happy Veterans Day everybody.”

Top Photo: Batavia High School student Lucy Taggart plays "Taps" for the finale of a Veterans Day assembly Thursday at the Frank E. Owen Auditorium; High school Principal Paul Kesler talks about the veterans, including Lucy's grandpa Harold McJury, second from left, and their service; students perform patriotic songs in a strings section, concert band (not pictured) and chorus; keynote speaker Assemblyman Steve Hawley offers a thankful message to veterans; Kesler and members Michael Marchese and Matt Doeringer of Boy Scouts Troop 6 serve as the color guard. Photos by Joanne Beck.

Events slated for, or in honor of, Veterans Day have this year expanded into a three-day schedule, beginning with a Batavia City Schools district ceremony Thursday morning at the high school, and -- new this year -- continuing with an awareness walk on the Ellicott Trail.

The ceremony at BHS, 260 State St., Batavia, is set for 8:15 a.m. and is to include music and remarks in honor of local military veterans. Local veterans have been invited by students and staff to attend the ceremony that will feature keynote speaker Assemblyman Steve Hawley. There will also be performances by the BHS orchestra, chorus and concert band.

Other presentations include a “What Does Veterans Day Mean to Me” by high school students; the retiring of colors by a Boy Scout troop, and remarks by district leadership.

Genesee-Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse is hosting a “Mission 22 Walk” at 2:30 p.m. that begins at DeWitt Recreation Area, follows the Ellicott Trail on the outskirts of the town, and ends at The Recovery Station on Clinton Street Road.

The Recovery Station is a program of GCASA, and this event is “an opportunity to shine a light on statistics that show that 22 veterans take their lives by suicide every day,” Recovery Station Director Harry Roscoe said in a news release.

After the walk, folks will be treated to a cookout at the Recovery Station, formerly Bohn’s restaurant near the corner of Seven Springs and Clinton Street roads in the Town of Batavia.

Friday will feature the traditional Veterans Day line-up of activities:

• 9 a.m. Genesee County Park (VVA), 11095 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany
• 10 a.m. Batavia Veterans Administration Medical Center, 222 Richmond Ave., Batavia
• This will be conducted in the side patio area near Building 4. Free parking is on the side of the building. The program includes an invocation by Chaplain Alpha Sanon; the “National Anthem;” local musician Frank Panepento on trumpet; remarks from Danielle Bergman, assistant director; the Genesee County Joint Veterans Honor Guard; and a benediction by Chaplain Alpha Sanon.
• 10:15 a.m. NYS Veterans Home
• 11 a.m. Upton Monument, at the intersection of Main and Ellicott streets, Batavia
• 11 a.m. Le Roy Post 576 will be hosting a ceremony at 2 Trigon Park, Le Roy
• 11:30 a.m. Jerome Center Monument, Bank Street, Batavia
• 1 p.m. Genesee Community College will be hosting a Veterans Day service in the William Stuart Forum, 1 College Road, Batavia

In observance of the day, Richmond Memorial Library in Batavia will be closed Thursday and Friday.

Third-day event next week

On Nov. 16, The Recovery Station will host a “Veteran Connection” gathering from 5 to 7 p.m.

Veterans from Genesee and surrounding counties will be able to network with various veteran and local service organizations and take a tour of the facility.  This is being conducted in partnership with the GOW Pathway to Hope coalitions.

For more information, call Rascoe at 585-813-6050.

File Photo of a Veterans Day ceremony in 2020, by Howard Owens.

A view of Veterans Day at the VA Hospital and the Upton Monument.

And below, a replay of our documentary on the Upton Monument.

There are many moments in my life when I will see something that triggers a memory. It can be a memory of joy, sadness, or just comfort. You never know when it might happen, but it will transport you back to that time.

This particular day, I noticed the Black POW-MIA Flag flying in front of the new Court House.  I was brought back to 1970 in my college cafeteria listening to a student from the University of Buffalo.  She was standing on a table addressing the issues of a war that would affect all of us.  New vocabulary words were created, such as containment of Communism, draft lottery, and protests. For example, this is the definition of the draft lottery found online today. "A lottery drawing – the first since 1942 – was held on December 1, 1969, at Selective Service National Headquarters in Washington, D.C. This event determined the order of call for induction during the calendar year 1970 for registrants born between January 1, 1944, and December 31, 1950."  

Young men were anxiously positioned in front of the television set to see where their birth date would be drawn in the lottery. To this day, Baby Boomers can recall their number. Unfortunately, the flag also states, "You Are Not Forgotten," but when they returned home, they were.  There were no parades, no large gatherings at airports other than their families and close friends. 

Please understand that my father was a WW II Veteran, my uncle fought in the Korean War, and many of my students fought in Afghanistan.  I highlighted this war because it was my war. This article is dedicated to ALL of our courageous veterans.

"Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it… it flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it." -- Unknown

Even though there are plenty of ceremonial activities for veterans to attend on Veterans Day, it’s sometimes necessary to bring the ceremony to the veteran.

And that’s exactly what the family members of Eugene DeFedericis decided to do this year. They not only planned a special day to honor his military service, but also for a little public recognition on his birthday, which happens to fall on Nov. 11 as well. 

His granddaughter-in-law, Stacey DeFedericis of Batavia, told The Batavian Wednesday of the surprise. 

“This is a salute to Veterans Day and to Eugene’s 97th birthday,” she said. “This is something special for him and his two great-grandsons. My boys are non-stop listening to his stories; they fell in love with him the moment they met him.”

Eugene, of Attica, is the grandfather of Jason DeFedericis, Stacey’s husband. He served in the United States Army during World War II and was stationed in Germany, France and Austria. A corporal C 5, the grand patriarch likes to share war stories and also serves as a role model for great-grandsons Abel, 6, and 4-year-old Haiden, Mrs. DeFedericis said. 

“He tries to instill being well-mannered and to present themselves to be the gentlemen they’re supposed to be,” she said. “He’s a strong guy, and very polite.”

The family has photos and articles of Eugene from his service days during 1944 to 1947. A framed collection of ribboned medals and one for sharp shooter is behind glass to protect the tokens of his service.

He has a flag up at his home and often wears a veterans WWII baseball cap, she said. Perhaps a given, he is “very, very patriotic,” she said, and used to travel around the county to various veterans ceremonies. He cannot walk as well as he used to, which prompted the family party at his home on Thursday. 

“It’s just a ceremony to say thanks, and for his birthday,” she said. “I’m just trying to do something special for him; it’s to show him he’s loved. I want him to know he’s still loved by us.”     

Photo: Veteran Eugene DeFedericis is flanked by great-grandsons Abel and Haiden, with grandson Jason and son Bob behind him. Photo submitted by Stacey DeFedericis. 

Today is Veterans Day -- and an appropriate time for members of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars chapter to invite Batavia-area residents to an "open house."  The public is welcome to come to the Veness-Strollo Post 1602 at 25 Edward St. from noon to 3 this afternoon to learn more about the organization, enjoy a bowl of soup or chili, and have a beverage. New members are welcome. For more information, call 585-344-3249.

For the fifth year in a row, Batavia City School District leaders will be taking an extra day to honor veterans in Genesee County for a Veterans Day Ceremony, Batavia High School Band Director Jane Haggett says.

“The Batavia High School community believes our veterans need to be recognized for their service to our country,” Haggett said to The Batavian. “They are the reasons why we can continue to be the home of the brave and land of the free.”

The event is set for 8:15 a.m. Wednesday, a day before the official Veterans Day, at the high school, 260 State St., Batavia. 

COVID-19 protocols have dictated a portion of the day to be outside, she said. Activities include a flag-raising ceremony by Batavia Boy Scouts, an audience participatory Pledge of Allegiance and a performance of the national anthem, otherwise known as the “Star-Spangled Banner,” by BHS Concert Band.

Amateur poet Francis Scott Key penned the first verse of the anthem after witnessing the American flag still flying proudly amidst an attack on Fort McHenry in 1814.

“O say can you see, by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hail’d at the twilight’s last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight
O’er the ramparts we watch’d were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there,
O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?”

Keynote speaker Charles Williams, a BHS 2014 graduate, is slated to say a few words about his reason for serving in the United States Navy, and how that service helped shape his life. Williams is a Master at Arms Petty Officer Second Class.

Veterans will then be treated to a more formal concert and ceremony in the school’s auditorium. The high school’s band, orchestra and chorus are to give a musical tribute, and veterans in attendance will be introduced, Haggett said.

The district’s essay contest winner (yet to be announced) will recite the winning entry about “Why Veterans Day is important to me.” This event culminates with a reception for veterans and anyone else involved in the ceremony, she said.  

If you are a veteran and interested in attending this celebratory event to acknowledge the service provided to U.S. citizens, contact Haggett at JHaggett@bataviacsd.org or call 585-343-2480, Ext. 2134 to make arrangements.

Ceremonies on Veterans Day, Nov. 11

Genesee County ceremonies are set to begin at 9 a.m. Thursday at Genesee County Park in East Bethany, followed by Batavia VA Medical Center at 10 a.m. and the New York State Veterans Nursing Home at 10:15 a.m., both on Richmond Avenue, Batavia, the Upton Monument at 11 a.m. at routes 5 and 33, Batavia, and ending at 11:30 a.m. at the Jerome Center monument at the corner of Bank Street and Washington Avenue in Batavia. Participating organizations include Veterans of Foreign Wars of Genesee County, Genesee County American Legions, Marine Corps League - Hansen Brothers Detachment, and Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 193.

Tops markets has also announced that there will be an 11 percent discount for veterans on Veterans Day.

Press release:

Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer in New York, northern Pennsylvania, and Vermont, announced today that the company will once again offer military personnel and their immediate families an 11 percent discount off of their grocery bill this Veterans Day.

On Thursday, November 11, 2021, Tops Markets will honor an 11 percent discount off of a total order to all veterans and immediate family members in the same household, who shop at any Tops location.  Customers should present proof of service that they, or an immediate family member are a U.S. Veteran, active duty, reserve or retired military personnel to automatically receive an 11 percent discount off of their total purchase that day.

“The respect and gratitude we have for the people who serve and have served in the military is immeasurable, and for that we are forever grateful,” said Frank Curci, Tops chief executive officer and chairman.  “We wanted to support local military personnel by giving back to our associates and customers who have courageously defended our country and made many sacrifices through their military service.”

Tops is a longtime supporter of military associates and customers. Since the inception of the Tops 11% military discount, Tops has saved veterans and their families close to $576,000 on their groceries.  The company’s support of military organizations includes, but is not limited to, support of the Wall that Heals, American Veterans Tribute Traveling Wall, Honor Flight Missions and golf tournament, 10th Anniversary Veterans Race, sending care packages for troops serving domestically and overseas, VA hospital visits, participation in veteran job fairs, parades and expo, and Tops Stars for Our Troops program by which stars from embroidered US Flags slated for retirement are presented to Veterans, active-duty personnel, and first responders.

The men and women who have served the United States in military service were honored by local veterans today, Veterans Day, in services at the County Park, the VA Hospital, the State Veterans Home, and the Upton Monument.  

These photos are from the ceremony at the St. Jerome's War Memorial.

Below: A video submitted by UMMC of Dan Ireland, the hospital's CEO, delivering a Veterans Day message.