GENESEO — On a day where veterans and the nation honored those who have fallen while serving in the military the local Geneseo VFW Post 5005 and American Legion Post 271 looks to continue outreach to aging veterans and younger ones that are coming home with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
On Monday the Geneseo Memorial Day Parade took place with members of the Geneseo VFW Post 5005 and American Legion Post 271 leading the parade followed by the Fire Department and marching bands from the High School. In addition, other community organizations like the Girl scouts and little league baseball teams marched.
“We are really trying to look out for the new veterans that are returning home from war,” said Tom Dunleavy, Commander of the VFW Post 5005. “These kids need the support and to be honest, they need more then what they are getting.”
According to Dunleavy despite the fact that some of the members served over 50 years ago, their common experience of serving in wartime builds a unique bond with younger veterans.
The money the Post raises from the Poppy sales goes towards helping veterans in homes and other outreach programs.
“Kids are coming home with a lot of issues and veterans are always welcome to join us.” said Dunleavy. “We want them to feel comfortable around others that have served.
The next fundraising went will be their annual Golf Torunament on June 245h at Livingston Country Club.
In an effort to generate a broader reach with younger veterans the club has formed a Facebook page that is open to the public, please ‘like’ it to support the group.
The Post had Flags Flying at these locations in Memory of the following: War Memorial, Main Street — Harold Witter
Town Park — William Lynn
Temple HiIl Cemetery — Francis Gilbert
St. Mary’s Cemetery — Thomas Melizzi
Depot, Highland Park — William Leighton
Groveland — Paul Dantz