by Rachel Hunter
The 2025 Gouverneur Memorial Day Observance was held on Monday, May 26 in downtown Gouverneur. The observance is jointly organized by the Silas Wainwright VFW Post 6338 in Gouverneur and the James Maloy American Legion Post 65 in Gouverneur.
The festivities started with the Annual Memorial Day Parade. Traffic control was handled by the Gouverneur Police Department, New York State Police, Village of Gouverneur Department of Public Works, and the Gouverneur Fire Department. The parade lined up at Rock Island Street, and turned down the parade route (Main Street to Hailesboro Street) at 10 a.m. The U.S. Navy Wreath was presented at the Main Street bridge in a salute to the dead. The parade marshal was James Jones of the James Maloy American Legion Post 65. The parade participants included the following: Gouverneur Police Department Car 413, Silas Wainwright VFW Post 6338 and James Maloy American Legion Post 65 joint color guard, VFW Post 6338 and Auxiliary, American Legion Post 65 and Auxiliary, Gouverneur Elks Lodge No. 2035, Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce, McDonalds, Gouverneur Fire Department (E-17, R-4, T-2), Richville Fire Department (E-12, R-28), antique and remodeled cars, and the New York State Police.
The Gouverneur Wildcat Marching Band, under the direction of Olivia Montagno, performed its “Viva la Wildcats” program, featuring a medley of songs including: "Viva la Vida" arranged by Michael Brown, "HandClap" arranged by Paul Murtha, and "Shut Up and Dance" arranged by Doug Adams. See related story inside this edition.
Local dignitaries marching in the parade included: St. Lawrence County District 5 Legislator Harry Smithers (R-Gouverneur), Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall, Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr., Town of Gouverneur Councilman Curran Wade, and Village of Gouverneur Trustee Floyd McAdam.
At about 11 a.m., the Memorial Day Service was warmly opened at the Riverside Cemetery (Williams St.) in Gouverneur by Master of Ceremonies Gloria Weldon. The invocation was given by American Legion Auxiliary President Emma Lewis Hoffman. The pledge of allegiance was led by American Legion Post 65 Commander Jason Carvel and VFW Post 6338 Commander Roland Roderick. The national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner” was performed by the Gouverneur Wildcat Marching Band, under the direction of Olivia Montagno. The local dignitaries were acknowledged.
Jeff Forsythe of Gouverneur performed a bagpipe selection, “Amazing Grace.”
The guest speaker was First Sergeant Joseph A. Beardsley. 1SG Beardsley was born in Galesburg, Ill, raised in Knoxville, Ill., and enlisted in the U.S. Army in July 2009. He attended One Station Unit Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, where he was awarded the MOS of 31B Military Police. 1SG Beardsley is currently serving as First Sergeant of the Fort Drum, NY Law Enforcement Company. 1SG Beardsley’s previous duty stations include Fort Bliss, Texas, Camp Hovey, Korea, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and Al Udied Air Force Base, Qatar. 1SG Beardsley has deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (2011-2012) and was in Parwan, Paktika, and Khost Province, Afghanistan.
1SG Beardsley’s awards and decorations include: Meritorious Service Medal (1 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Commendation Medal (5 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Achievement Medal (7 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Good Conduct Medal (5th Award), National Defense Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (1 Campaign Star), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 4), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon (Numeral 3), NATO Medal, Combat Action Badge, Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, and the Driver Badge.
1SG Beardsley’s military education includes: Master Leader Course, Master Resilience Trainer Course, Senior Leaders Course, MRAP Vehicle Course, Antiterrorism Officer Basic Course, Combatives Level 1 and 2, Drill Sergeant School, Antiterrorism Evasive and Staff Drivers Course, Conventional Physical Security and Crime Prevention Course, Unit Prevention Leader Course, Equal Opportunity Course, Advanced Leaders Course, Military Police Investigator Course, Basic Leaders Course, Combat Life Savers Course.
1SG Joseph A. Beardsley is married to Kelsey R. Beardsley. Together they have two children, Colton, 7, and Maxwell, 5. They currently reside on Fort Drum, NY.
The crowd warmly welcomed 1SG Beardsley with generous applause.
“We gather here today to observe Memorial Day,” 1SG Beardsley said. “Before I begin, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the VFW, American Legion. These organizations are pillars of our community, and your tireless efforts to honor our fallen heroes and support our veterans are truly commendable.
“Memorial Day is a day dedicated to remembering and honoring the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. While Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer for many, it is so much more than barbecues, picnics, or a day off work. It is a solemn occasion, a moment for each of us to pause, reflect and recognize the true cost of the freedoms we often take for granted.
“Memorial Day is a day set aside for remembrance, to honor those who gave their lives in service to this nation. It is a day to reflect on the courage, strength and unwavering commitment of those who answer the call to serve. And to acknowledge that their sacrifices made it possible for us to live in the land of freedom that we enjoy today.
“In the words of President John F. Kennedy, “A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers.” These words resonate deeply, especially today, as we reflect on the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Memorial Day is the opportunity to honor them. It is a reminder that, we, as the nation must never forget their sacrifices – for they represent the very foundation, the freedoms and liberties that we hold dear.
“We celebrate Memorial Day because we recognize that freedom is not free. It comes at a high cost. A lot of individuals selflessly put the needs of their country above their own. Each fallen soldier, sailor, airman, and marine made the ultimate commitment not knowing what the future held, but trusting in the cause of liberty, justice and peace. Their sacrifices remind us of the ideals that have shaped our nation since its inception.
“For me personally, Memorial Day carries great meaning. It is a time to remember not only the military men and women who lost their lives in battle, but also the families that they left behind. It is a reminder that sacrifice made in defense of our freedom ripple through generations. We may never fully understand the weight of their loss. But we can honor them by ensuring that their memory lives on in our hearts, and in the way that we live our lives.
“Memorial Day also compels us to reflect on the true meaning of service. It is not just about the individuals who served in combat, but also those who served in various capacities, those who worked behind the scenes, those who supported their brothers and sisters in arms, those who continue to carry on their legacy. Service to our country is an honor, and it demands that we live up to the values that they embodied – courage, sacrifice, integrity, and selflessness.
“As we go about our day, let us remember that Memorial Day is not only a day of remembrance, but a call to action. It’s a day to commit ourselves to preserving the freedoms that we hold so dearly and to support those who continue to serve in harm’s way today. We owe it to the fallen to ensure that their sacrifice is not in vain. Let us also reflect on the families of the fallen, who bear the pain of loss every single day. They carry the weight in grief. They also carry the honor of knowing that their loved ones gave everything for the greater good. As we gather today, let us remember them in our thoughts and prayers.
“In closing, I want to leave you with a quote from an unknown author which perfectly captures the essence of Memorial Day. “The brave never die though they sleep in dust. Their courage nerves a thousand living men.” This Memorial Day, as we remember and honor the fallen, let us also resolve to live lives that reflect their sacrifices – lives full of purpose, integrity and gratitude.”
The presentation of ribbons was as follows: WWI (Donald Payne), WWII (Steven Cline), Korea (Karl Beck), Vietnam (Ronald Hartle), Panama (Michael Knowlton), Desert Storm (Randy Knowlton), Bosnia (Matt Billings), Somalia and Haiti (James Jones), Afghanistan (Roland Roderick), Iraq (James Brice), POW/MIA (Gerald Barker), Women Veterans Memorial (Deanna Hughes), American Legion Post 65 (Jason Carvel), American Legion Auxiliary (Emma Lewis Hoffman), VFW Post 6338 (Roland Roderick), VFW Auxiliary (Jeff Platt), Gold Star Mothers (Carla Frank), Daughters and Sons of the American Revolution (Lynda Andrews and Matt Billings), NYS Masonic War Veterans Post 60 Battle of Cranberry Creek (Naaman Lowry), and Sons of the American Legion (Mark Jenkins). A ceremonial wreath was also presented by the Gouverneur Elks Lodge No. 2035. The presenters were escorted by SFC Standinger and SFC Evans of the 91st Military Police Battalion at Fort Drum.
James Maloy American Legion Post 65 Commander Jason Carvel called the last roll call of the deceased American Legion and VFW members. This included: Ron Sherman, Stanley Orford, Ronald Roberts, Catheryn Hamilton, Nancy Premo, Bonnie Barker, Kim Morse, Dorothy Bressette, Rena Griebsch, Michael Dusharm, and Nancy Cappellino.
The Salute to the Dead was conducted by the VFW and American Legion Rifle Squad. Taps and Echo was performed, thanks to the efforts of the Gouverneur Wildcat Marching Band. All then enjoyed a recorded music selection of Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless The USA.” The benediction was given by VFW Auxiliary Chaplain Ruth Mead.
Much gratitude was extended to all those who took part or contributed any type of service for the annual Memorial Day remembrance. A special word of appreciation was extended to the Village of Gouverneur for their help throughout the observance, and to the color guard members and the parade and ceremony participants for their efforts throughout the day.
The public was invited to the James Maloy American Legion Post 65 for a free luncheon following the ceremony.