For many gathered Sunday at the American Legion Jones-Quigg Post 739, the Memorial Day program in the village's picturesque Veterans Memorial Triangle may have been one of the most stirring in recent memory.

During the ceremony, Valerie Bond, a Blue Star Mother, whose husband Cory served tours in Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan in the U.S. Navy and whose son Alex, a U.S. Marine, served in Afghanistan and received the Purple Heart, spoke to the crowd..

Bond's brother, Vince Poandl, commander of the Hokendauqua American Legion Post, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps, was also present.

Bond said the nation should not forget the men and women who paid the the ultimate price for the freedom we enjoy in this country.

"Memorial Day is the remembrance of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice," she said.

Bond asked the crowd to continue to support those who serve our country in the military.

She also shared stories of how her family life has changed as she has taken on roles her husband previously did such as doing daily chores and tasks and caring for their daughters Emma, 10, and Maya, 9.

Bond spoke of her husband, a Navy First Class petty officer, who recently retired after serving nine months in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

She also spoke of not hearing from her son who was stationed in Afghanistan for a period of time. Later, her son Alex, contacted her to inform her he was hospitalized due to being hit by a bomb.

Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. said he can't recall such a riveting Memorial Day program. He praised the large crowd present, saying, "It was fitting."

The mayor also asked the crowd to remember the countless civilian casualties, such as the World Trade Center victims.

The First Presbyterian Church of Hokendauqua provided the patriotic songs. Pastor J. Smothers provided the invocation and the post's honor unit and rifle squad conducted the Salute to the Dead.

Also, George Wirth performed taps on the trumpet.