As I walked through Bemus Point one day, enjoying the call of the sea gulls and listening to Lake Chautauqua’s gentle waves come ashore, I came across a scene I wish to share with all of you.

It was early morning and one could not help but get lost in the serenity that had settled upon the village. The misty fog was lifting, unveiling the beauty of the lake, making me feel as if I was watching a sleeping child awaken from his dreams. I wanted to get closer to this enchantment, so I walked down the street, following the calls of the birds and the song of the lake. I stood between two young trees and closed my eyes, relishing the cool mist upon my face. I tilted my face upwards, letting the breeze take my thoughts across the heavens. A deep breath refreshed the air in my lungs and I slowly opened my eyes. I kept my gaze upwards and tried to make out what I was seeing. The fog lifted a bit more and I saw the gentle wave of brilliant red cut through the mist. I blinked and looked again as the color was gone just as quickly as it first appeared. I thought at first that I had seen a cardinal flying by, but then the red appeared again, this time with a hint of blue . . . and again, it disappeared. I took a step back and waited – there, there was the color, gently making its way through the thick morning blanket to unveil itself to me.

I could not help myself – a soft amazed gasp escaped from my lips, and a little tear fell down my cheek. I stood there, watching as the morning wind took the colors and unfurled them before me. I could not help it when my head bowed in silent prayer, just for a moment – then my eyes went back upwards, looking not only at what was before me, but thanking the One who made it possible for me to see what I was seeing.

Too many times we all take for granted what we are given – too many times we forget what it took to get to where we are – too many times we forget to acknowledge the hardships, the losses, the pain, the suffering, the history. Too many times. So, on this particular morning, as I gazed upon the most magnificent rendition of Old Glory that I had seen, I remembered. I remembered the history lessons in school, I remembered my father’s stories, I remembered the pain in his voice, I remembered my family members who served in the military to defend Old Glory – I remembered things I had forgotten.

I ask you to take a walk to the shores of Lake Chautauqua in Bemus Point. Stand under that big, beautiful flag, and remember. Remember the men and women – remember the families left at home – remember the silent opening of the door to the phrase “we regret to inform you” – remember the children who grew up knowing of bravery and valor, but did not get the hugs – remember the sacrifice, the love, the honor, the bowed heads, the folded flags, the Taps, “Day is Done” – remember.

And, please, do not ever forget.

Photos by Judy Wroda.

The Chautauqua County Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) is a male lineage organization whose members can document descent from an ancestor who served or otherwise supported the Patriot cause during the Revolutionary War.

The SAR is a national nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and educating future generations. The SAR has partnered with the William G. Pomeroy Foundation of Syracuse, New York, which operates a Revolutionary War Historical Marker Program. Markers are placed in cemeteries where Revolutionary War veterans are interred and are funded and provided through a grant application process.

Patriot burial markers are blue, with raised yellow lettering and borders. Each bears its state SAR society’s logo at the top. The two-sided cast-aluminum markers measure 32 by 18 inches and are mounted on seven-foot aluminum poles.

On a bright, sunny afternoon on Sunday, September 6, 2026, a Revolutionary War Patriot Soldier Marker was dedicated at Tefft Cemetery in French Creek, one mile west of Peek’n Peak Resort. Sponsored by the Chautauqua County Chapter SAR and hosted by the Town of French Creek, the ceremony honored two Revolutionary War soldiers interred there.

Tefft Cemetery lies in a rural setting surrounded by acres of ripening cornfields. The scene brought to mind the popular baseball movie Field of Dreams: one could almost imagine the Revolutionary War soldiers being honored that day emerging from the tall stalks of corn.

Chautauqua County hosted several events this year to celebrate America 250 and commemorate our nation’s 250th birthday. The Tefft Cemetery ceremony was the fifth and final marker dedication of 2026 and the 20th since the program began in 2022. This year’s five dedications took place at Allen Cemetery (Falconer), Dewittville Cemetery (Dewittville), Greenwood Cemetery (Stockton), Red Bird Cemetery (Ellery), and Tefft Cemetery (French Creek).

Over the years, the marker dedication ceremonies have developed a familiar and meaningful sequence. I am honored to serve as SAR Master of Ceremonies. The town historian and I welcome attendees, followed by an invocation from a local pastor. Chautauqua County SAR Chapter President Jeff Crossley, dressed as a Continental Army soldier, then describes the chapter’s activities and the Patriot Marker Program.

Remarks from the town supervisor typically follow. The supervisor then joins other cemetery officials in unveiling the marker.

An honor guard from a local American Legion or VFW post then fires a rifle salute, followed by SAR members Jeff Crossley and Jim White firing Revolutionary War-era black-powder rifles. Will Ortman then sounds Taps on his regulation bugle.

The town historian then offers a brief biographical account of each of the Revolutionary War soldiers interred in the cemetery.

Before the ceremony concludes, attendees are invited to speak about Patriot ancestors who may be buried in the cemetery or ask questions about the Revolutionary War. The Dewittville dedication was especially memorable: 36 fourth-grade students from Chautauqua Lake Central School attended. Their questions and participation were highlights of the event and a fitting reminder that preserving our nation’s history matters most when it inspires future generations to appreciate the sacrifices made to secure American independence.

Local chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) also support these events. DAR member Bonnie Larkin, dressed as Martha Washington, and Brenda Johnson, dressed as Betsy Ross, help lead the Pledge of Allegiance and answer participants’ questions.

Four dedications are being planned at dates to be determined for the coming year: Fluvanna Cemetery (Town of Ellicott), Mayville Cemetery (Town of Chautauqua), Villenova Cemetery (Town of Villenova), and Pleasantville Cemetery (Town of Chautauqua). The public is encouraged to check back at the “CHAUTAUQUA - SAR” Facebook page for an updated schedule in the next few months.

As we look ahead, we should also remember the 370 Revolutionary War soldiers interred in Chautauqua County at the cemeteries listed here. Their sacrifices helped secure the independence and freedoms inherited by succeeding generations. May we continue to honor their service—and the service of those who followed. God bless them all, past and present.

Patriot Markers Placed in Chautauqua County

1. Maple Grove Cemetery, Brook Street, Ashville (2022)

2. Wellman Cemetery, Wellman Road, Ashville (2023)

3. Panama Union Cemetery, East Main Street, Panama (2023)

4. Tillotson Cemetery, Panama-Bear Lake Road, Niobe (2023)

5. Kiantone Maple Grove Cemetery, Donelson Road, Jamestown (2024)

6. Stillwater Cemetery, Bacon Road, Kiantone (2024)

7. Hatch Cemetery, Southwestern Drive, Busti (2024)

8. Clymer Cemetery, East Main Street, Clymer (2024)

9. Lake View Cemetery, Lakeview Ave, Jamestown (2024)

10. Findley Lake Cemetery, NY 430 West, Findley Lake (2025)

11. Gerry Hill Cemetery, Gerry-Ellington Road, Gerry (2025)

12. Blockville Union Burying Ground, Blockville-Watts Flats Road, Blockville (2025)

13. Sherman Cemetery, State Highway 430, Sherman (2025)

14. Bemus Point Cemetery, Route 430, Bemus Point (2025)

15. Evergreen Cemetery, Park & Water Streets, Sinclairville (2025)

16. Dewittville Cemetery, 5616 Meadows Road, Dewittville (2026)

17. Allen Cemetery, 1600 Willard Street Ext., Falconer (2026)

18. Greenwood Cemetery, Cemetery Street, Stockton (2026)

19. Red Bird Cemetery, 5346 County Touring Route 380, Ellery (2026)

20. Tefft Cemetery, New Road, French Creek (2026)

Note: All photographs were taken by DAR member Bonnie Larkin.

Paul Fardink is a retired Lieutenant Colonel and Army Aviator. He is a life member of VFW Post 8647 and American Legion Post 1286. He has given numerous lectures on the Revolutionary War Veterans of Chautauqua County. He also serves on the Chautauqua Dwyer Veterans Advisory Council and was a recent recipient of the Daughters of the American Revolution “DAR America 250! Commendation Award” and Congressman Nicholas A. Langworthy’s “America 250 Community Heroes Award.”

Many of my family members and loved ones are veterans. They signed their names on the line and served their country in wartime, in peace and everything in between. I can’t imagine what it took for my grandfather, Keith, serving in the Navy in the South Pacific during WWII, to wake up every day to witness the things he wouldn’t even talk about decades later. Or the courage and bravery my grandfather, Charles, had to muster as a Marine during the Korean War. I can’t imagine what it meant then and what it means now to don the uniform and serve our nation in one of the most demanding, selfless and, frankly, courageous ways I can think of.

Veterans Day is a small way we can honor those who served in our military. It is a day for all veterans, no matter when they served or where they served. It is not to be confused with Memorial Day, which is the day our nation honors those who died while serving in the military.

Most of us, if not all of us, know veterans who have served so valiantly, like my various loved ones. However, we might not always recognize the multitude of veterans here in Chautauqua County who have left the military but who still serve our community in multiple valuable ways. One such example is Lori Dispenza, a dedicated Veterans Service Officer in Dunkirk. Dispenza was recently honored by State Sen. George Borrello as she was inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame.

Dispenza is a Portland native and graduated from Brocton School. She served over a decade in the Army, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant. She served in Alaska, South Carolina, Honduras, Southern California and Fort Drum. She also served a 15-month deployment to Kirkuk, Iraq, with the 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 10th Mountain Division.

Many would say that Dispenza’s list of experiences and accomplishments was complete; after all, all of those things are noble and honorable in their own right. However, after she left the Army in 2010, she made a decision to take steps to continue helping her fellow soldiers in the civilian world and earned a degree from SUNY Fredonia in psychology and a minor in criminal justice. She also earned an advanced certificate in Veterans Services. Each and every day, here in Chautauqua County, Dispenza is offering her experience, her know-how and her dedication to fellow veterans in various ways to make life just a little bit easier or a little bit better for those who have served their nation.

Dedicated, selfless, honorable and caring veterans like Dispenza are the bedrock of our community. They served their country, then they return home and serve their communities, villages, counties and fellow citizens in so many ways we couldn’t even guess them all. Perhaps your local business owner is a Marine who served overseas. Perhaps your favorite librarian or nurse or business professional served their country in the air, on the sea or on the ground in volatile areas.

All this to say, Veterans Day is the day to remember these incredible individuals, to honor their service and thank them for what they gave and did for us. We can also thank them and recognize the contributions they still make to our communities - goodness knows, they’ve earned it.

Pictured: Senator George Borrello with Lori Dispenza and her family. From left to right: Sen. Borrello; mom Josie Dispenza; Lori; daughter Willow; dad Chuck Dispenza. Submitted photo.