Memorial Service Honors Fallen Purchase Firefighters

While a 1985 Czech Fighter Jet streaked across the Purchase sky Wednesday during the Purchase Fire Department's annual Memorial service, most people thought it was a just a coincidence. 

It wasn't—there was an actual jet flyover during the last verse of America the Beautiful.

"I've been working on that for 20 years," said Nelson Canter, who said a friend of the department offered to perform the flyover. "Finally, we did it and it's great."

The memorial service is held at the Purchase Fire Department on the Wednesday before Memorial Day every year. Along with the flyover, this year's ceremony included a ceremonial lowering of the flag, a wreath presentation and a bagpipe performance.

"It's not just our soldiers and sailors—our uniformed soldiers—that we remember on Memorial Day, but it's also why we are gathered here today, to remember those who give their service, who give their lives, who serve us in so many different ways," said Harrison Mayor/Supervisor Joan Walsh, one of many local politicians who attended.

There was also a reading of the names of deceased department members. The Purchase Fire Department, which is run completely by volunteers, will celebrate its 75th anniversary next year.

"It used to be half a page," Canter said. "Now it's three pages."

A church bell rang as each name was read from the list, followed by the playing of Taps. Many of the names are the grandfathers and fathers of the members who currently serve in the family-oriented department.

"We've been doing this memorial ceremony for decades and each time a member's name is called and the bell rings it really triggers memories for all of us," said Canter. "It's really meaningful, you can feel it."