On Wednesday, May 22, 2013, the Purchase Fire Department held its annual Memorial Day Ceremony. As this was the department's 75th Anniversary, the ceremony was extra special.

The ceremony was attended by members of the United States Marine Corps, who just returned from a tour of duty in Afghanistan, and veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and Operations Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom. We were also fortunate to have the Mayor and members of the Town Board in attendance, visiting chiefs from surrounding fire departments, and the angelic voices of the Saint Anthony of Padua Choir.

Father Pete of Saint Anthony's Church in West Harrison delivered the Invocation. This was followed by the presentation of a wreath by Cpl. Robert Parente and Cpl. Jose Mejia of the United States Marine Corps, accompanied by Korean War veterans, John Cuocco and Richard Bertoli of the U.S. Army.

On behalf of the Purchase Fire Department, Ex-Chief Dante Pacicca and Ex-Assistant Chief Joseph Delfico, both former Fire Commissioners and 50-year members, presented the wreath for departed members of the department.

The roll call of deceased members was presented by Ex-Chief Ronald Mignone, who added a brief description of military service for those who served overseas. The calling of each name was punctuated by a ring of the bell mounted on our oldest apparatus, Quad 8. It amazes me every year how the announcement of each member's name can conjure a lifetime of memories; all in an instant.

The flag was lowered to half-mast by members of the Boy Scouts of America, Purchase Troop 1, with the assistance of the Marines. Taps was performed flawlessly by Claire Sollazzo, followed by Amazing Grace, played by Scottie Mack on the bagpipes. Then, the most moving part of the ceremony occurred; the moment of silence.

Shortly after the moment of silence, Honorary Member Larry Labriola conducted a flyover with his fighter jet, connecting heaven and earth, and astonishing all those beneath him. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the attendees were recognized, particularly those who sacrificed so much for our freedom and to whom we owe or deepest gratitude; our veterans.