A crowd gathered on top of Prospect Mountain in Lake George this Sunday afternoon, June 2, to remember the prisoners of war who never came home and those missing in action. The ceremony is held each year on the first Sunday in June. North Creek American Legion Commander Paul Sears, who officiated, noted that this is the 55th year the American Legion has held this ceremony.
Several dozen members of the New York Patriot Guard Riders participated in the event, riding motorcycles, with flags flying, up the winding Veterans Memorial Parkway and forming a flag line at the ceremony site overlooking Lake George. Caroline Williams of Johnsburg Central School sang the National Anthem.
The service opened with an invocation by Pastor Joe Plew with the Christian Motorcyclists Association. Warren County American Legion Commander Don Keenan addressed the crowd, noting the importance of the event saying 83,000 troops are still missing, and we are continually working to find them.
Connie Service also spoke. Her father, William Harbourke, is a past Warren County American Legion Commander, and it was his efforts that brought a Veterans Memorial to the top of Prospect Mountain in 1983. Service spoke about the history of the Veterans Memorial Parkway, and she explained that although it was dedicated to veterans in the 1960s, it lacked a memorial until her father’s initiative.
At the ceremony, New York State Senator Dan Stec announced that he and New York Assemblyman Matt Simpson have introduced legislation that would exempt veterans and those on active duty from paying the fee to travel up the Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Parkway. The regular fee is $10 per carload. The fee was waived on Sunday for those attending the POW/MIA ceremony.
Vice Commander of Rhode Island Michael Graichen, who was in Lake George for the Americade Rally, spoke a few words saying he found the Lake George Area and local American Legions very welcoming to visitors.
The Warrensburg Junior/Senior High School Band, under the direction of Denise Foster, and the Johnsburg Central School Band, directed by Max Garrett, performed the service songs of the U.S. Military branches and performed “God Bless America.” The JBCS Flag Corps, directed by Katy Ashe, performed along with the bands.
The ceremony closed with a Moment of Silence for the nation’s POWs and MIAs followed by “Taps,” with an echo, performed by members of the JBCS Band.
How awesome. Wish we had more notice so that we could be present to honor them and their families. Must have missed it somehow.
It is held the first Sunday in June at 1 p.m. each year. Hope you will be able to attend in 2025.