Published: May 09, 2008 02:16 am            

MEMORIAL DAY: WW II veterans to be honorary parade marshals

Attention, World War II veterans: The Memorial Day committee wants you.

All area men and women who served in the military between Sept. 16, 1940, and Sept. 2, 1945, are invited to be honorary grand marshals of Lockport’s Memorial Day parade on May 25.

Through the years, plenty of war veterans been named leader of the parade, but the organizing committee decided to break with the tradition of selecting one this year.

As World War II veterans die off at the rate of about 1,000 a day nationwide, American Legion B. Leo Dolan Post 410 Commander Mike Walker says, time is quickly undoing veterans groups’ good intentions to honor them “some day.”

“We want to give these guys a shot while they’re still around ... and make sure they all get their due,” Walker said.

“We’d like to honor each and every World War II veteran individually, but we know we can’t — so we’ll honor them as a group,” co-organizer Peggy Allen said. “It’s an opportunity for the community to really thank them.”

The committee wants to get as many honorary grand marshals signed up by the end of next week as possible, so it can get a motorcade going for the ones who can’t comfortably walk the 1.5 mile route. The marshals also will take part in pre-parade, wreath-laying ceremonies at Cold Spring Cemetery and the Soldiers & Sailors Monument at Veterans Park.

So far, through word of mouth, the marshals’ list has grown to include: Burt and Carol Lenhart, James Castle, Duane McDonough, George Meier, Elmer “Red” Lederhaus, Robert Niver, Dudley Oldham, John “Jack” Taylor, Ray Beiter, Warren Rathke, Vic Cleri, Harry Gill Sr. and Norman Nicholas.

Co-organizer Renee Knight said their warm receipt of the invitation reaffirms why they’re dubbed the “Greatest Generation.”

“I thought I’d have to talk ‘em into it, but I didn’t. They are so excited,” she said.

There is talk of getting a decorated bus for the marshals, many of whom have at least minor health problems, to ride in.

That sounds like a treat to Robert Niver, 84, who’s certain his legs can’t take him from Veterans Monument all the way to the county courthouse anymore; but 79-year-old Harry Gill Sr., who’s marched every year since the 1960s, plans to carry on the usual way.

“I had my knees done two years ago. I’m energized now,” Gill said. “Riding is for old men.”

Elmer Lederhaus remembers seeing World War I veterans march on Memorial Day when he was young, but as a war survivor, himself, he hasn’t been a big fan of parades. He always worked the holiday, so it didn’t much matter, he said.

Still, when Lederhaus was asked to step in, he couldn’t refuse.

“We’ve all got problems — bad knees, trouble breathing, something — but we’re still going,” he said. “We’re lucky. If you think we’re not, go to the veterans hospital.”

Warren Rathke has taken part in the parade for many years, but he hasn’t marched since the late 1940s. Instead, he’s been a Sunrise Optimist, handing out refreshments from the sidelines. After so many years, he says, it’s an honor to get back in line.

“We have to keep the spirit alive. So many people are forgetting what the day is about,” Rathke said. “The solemn side is very near to my heart.”

The parade is open to all groups and individuals who want to join in. Behind the honorary marshals, the lineup order is: active duty military personnel; then family members of active-duty personnel, who are encouraged to carry a photo of their soldier if he or she isn’t here; then civic, fraternal and other clubs, organizations and individuals. Musical marchers include Canadian bagpipers, the Lockport High School Band and the Lockport Community Band.

Veterans and civilians both are asked to reserve their places in the lineup by May 15. To do so, call Renee or David Knight at 434-3827; Mike Walker at 434-4665; or Peggy Allen at 434-9708.

        

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