23-05-2025
Several local Memorial Day observances taking place
Lockport loves a parade and the parade season begins solemnly Sunday at 1 p.m. to recognize Memorial Day.
Kevin Kirchberger, alderman at large, said organizers are proud to bring back the parade for a second year. Kirchberger said the fire and police departments, Niagara County Sheriff's Office, Lockport Community Band, and various community organizations will participate in the procession that starts at Monument Park by the former hospital.
'It's to honor our veterans. It's not like a 4th of July parade,' Kirchberger said. 'This is a non-candy event. I'm handing out little flags to the kids.'
The parade will progress up East Avenue to Pine Street, cross the Pine Street Bridge and arrive at Canal Street. A community gathering will take place on Canal Street that includes live music, three food trucks, a cash-only beer truck, and the surrounding businesses.
At 2 p.m. the rock and pop band Uncan Valley will play. The rock band Me and the Boys will take the stage at 3:30 p.m.
The Central Niagara Catholic Family will host Memorial Day masses at St. Patrick's Cemetery, 23 Glenwood Ave., Lockport, at 9 a.m. Monday; and St. Charles Cemetery, 3185 Lockport Olcott Road, Newfane, at 9:30 a.m. Monday.
Newfane
The Town of Newfane and Newfane American Legion are co-hosting the town's Memorial Day observance at Corwin Cemetery, Lockport-Olcott and Hatter roads, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday. There'll be music, re-enactments, speeches and military honors as local residents who died in service to our country are remembered.
Wilson
American Legion, Martin F. Jennings Post 836, will hold its annual Memorial Day ceremony at Greenwood Veterans Memorial Park, Park Street adjacent to Greenwood Cemetery, at 10 a.m. Monday. The guest speaker is U.S. Marine Katrina Clark. The Air Force Honor Guard will conduct a flag folding, rifle salute and play Taps.
Post 836 will raise a flag and perform Taps at noon for the Wilson Historical Society, during its annual Memorial Day Fair. Post Commander Gary Pettit said all are welcome and encouraged to attend the ceremonies.
