Gouverneur community gathers to enjoy 2023 Memorial Day Parade

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Memorial Day Observance was jointly held on Memorial Day, May 29, by the James Maloy American Legion Post 65 in Gouverneur and the Silas Wainwright VFW Post 6338 in Gouverneur. The remembrance was hosted by the James Maloy American Legion Post 65. Coffee and donuts were available at the American Legion prior to the parade line-up on Rock Island St. in Gouverneur.

As is tradition, the Gouverneur Memorial Day Parade commenced from Rock Island St., turned right onto Main St., crossing in front of the Gouverneur Village Park, and momentarily stopping on the Route 11 Bridge over the Oswegatchie River for the U.S. Navy Wreath Ceremony to salute the fallen (presented by Mike Webster and Mike Knowlton). The parade then continued down W. Main St. before turning onto Hailesboro St. to Riverside Cemetery for the annual remembrance ceremony.

Many North Country residents lined Main Street in Gouverneur by the Gouverneur Village Park to get a glimpse of the Gouverneur Memorial Day Parade as it passed by. Gouverneurians showed great patriotism, with even the youngest set waving American Flags, as the community gathered to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. (See related story in this edition on the 2023 Gouverneur Memorial Day remembrance ceremony.)

The 2023 Gouverneur Memorial Day Parade was escorted by Village of Gouverneur Chief of Police Laurina Greenhill (Gouverneur Police Department). The Gouverneur Police Department also handled traffic control during the parade. The St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office and the New York State Police were also in attendance.

Next was the Color Guard, James Maloy American Legion Post 65, Parade Marshal Ed Ramos, Special Guest Speaker Command Sergeant Major Joseph Grimsey of the 91st Military Battalion (Fort Drum, NY), American Legion Pot 65 Auxiliary, Silas Wainwright VFW Post 6338, and Auxiliary To VFW Post 6338.

Local dignitaries participating in the parade included: St. Lawrence County District 5 Legislator Harry Smithers (R-Gouverneur), Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall, Village of Gouverneur Deputy Mayor Charles Newvine, Village of Gouverneur Trustee Troy Besaw, Town of Gouverneur Supervisor David Spilman, Jr., and Town of Gouverneur Councilman Curran Wade.

The Gouverneur Marching Wildcats, under the direction of Jenelle Yeoman, thrilled the crowds with their patriotic performances throughout the Gouverneur Memorial Day Observance. All North Country residents are encouraged to come and check out the band as they premiere their 2023 Show “Groovy Gouvy” during the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce Sponsored Flag Day Parade on Saturday, June 10, 2 p.m., at the Gouverneur Village Park. The Gouverneur Marching Wildcats includes over 70 students in Grades 4-12 from the Gouverneur Central School District.

Others parade participants included: Gouverneur Rescue Squad, Gouverneur Fire Department, Richville Fire Department, Girl Scout Troop 60851, Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce, Gouverneur Elks Lodge No. 2035, Fort Drum Civil Air Patrol, and St. Lawrence Bandits Travel Softball Team.

As the parade concluded many community members made their way to Riverside Cemetery for the annual remembrance. Gouverneurians told the Gouverneur Tribune Press that they were greatly impressed by the parade, and are looking forward to more patriotic observances in the future.

The next patriotic event will be the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce’s Flag Day with festivities in the Gouverneur Village Park on Saturday, June 10 with the parade at 2 p.m. in the Gouverneur Village Park. More information will be reported in an upcoming edition of the Gouverneur Tribune Press.