November 10, 2013 - Veterans Day Parade Whitesboro NY

Even though the actual Veteran’s Day, November 11, fell on the Monday holiday this year; Whitesboro held the parade on Sunday, November 10 at 1pm.

Weather-wise it was a dismal day with light rain and blustery winds.

The attendance was low – and that included spectators and parade participants as well.

The parade consisted of a color guard, the Sherriff’s Department, an American Legion, a small group of politicians, the Hibernians, the fire department, and the Red Band.

But “THEY” were there – some sitting in chairs at the curb – some sitting in their cars – the old soldiers and sailors proudly wearing their Veteran ball caps.

As we marched by playing the military service marches – they watched us with a quiet dignity that belongs to their generation.

This year marks the 95^th anniversary of Armistice Day – the end of WWI – and the reason for the Veteran’s Day holiday.

Maybe it was gloomy weather, but seeing those stoic soldiers standing like sentinels, here and there, one couldn’t help but recall Gen. MacArthur’s words:

“Old Soldiers never die, they just fade away”.

 

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Veteran's Day Parade

VIVA LA BANDA ROSSA!!!

October 20, 2013 - Saint Marianne Canonization Anniversary

The first anniversary of the Canonization of Saint Marianne Cope was celebrated at the home parish oh her childhood, St. Joseph/St. Patrick’s Church, on October 20, 2013.

Because she was a Franciscan nun, the liturgy included aspects of her life such as songs and prayers of St. Francis of Assisi.

The Utica Maennerchor Chorus performed as a salute to her German Heritage, and her sainthood was acknowledged in the reciting of the final prayer on day 9 of her Novena.

Novenas are a Catholic tradition of reciting special prayers for consecutive days. These prayers are supplications to a patron Saint requesting intercession for requests made to God.

Upon completion of Mass, the congregation exited and lined up in front of the Church. The procession included the hand-carved statue of St. Marianne, the Knights of St. John, the St. Michael Lancers, representatives of other Catholic parishes of Utica, and La Banda Rossa.

The most popular song we played was “Blessed Mother Marianne”, the song dedicated to Saint Marianne herself.

The procession walked down to the location of St. Marianne’s former home; located not far from the church.

The house is gone but a well-manicured lawn and a plaque mark the spot.

A colorful autumnal wreath was placed next to the plaque, and after more prayers were recited; Father Dellos introduced the great-great-great niece of Saint Marianne.

The band then led the procession back to the church concluding the ceremony. 

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Saint Marianne

VIVA LA BANDA ROSSA!!!