On August 14, 1949 the parade began in Brockville. Rev.Robert A. Howard gave the invocation followed by an address by Judge Charles Lambiase of Rochester. Miss Della Bell, president of the Fancher Memorial Legion then unveiled the monument. Rev. Peter Kozak then gave the benediction. The WWII rifles adoring the top of the memorial were stolen in the 1980’s and the clock was vandalized.
The Town of Murray took possession of the site in November 1951. The original flagpole was replaced in November 1979 and the clock was replaced and made digital in the 1990’s. While Sherrie DePalma was in high school, she maintained the mowing of the site.
The monument reads “For God and Country 1941-1945” “In memory of those who made the supreme sacrifice in World War II.” The names include John A. Christopher, Joseph F. Christopher, Cosmo P. Coccitti, John Kettle, Jr., Leonard L. Licursi, Martin J. Licursi, Richard L. Merritt, Camille H. Nenni, Floyd M. Valentine, and Richard N. Vendetta. The Gold Star mothers were invited to the dedication.
Pat DiLaura designed the monument and Art Nenni gave the resources from his quarry. Quarrymen Gene Nenni, Oresto Nenni, America Belli, and Richard DePalma of Holley and Phillip Raneri,T ony Passarell, and Angelo Manella of Albion got out the stone. Gene DePalma graded the site and Harry Bower with his two daughters raked and prepared it for the dedication. Lee Colavito and Dan Fiotito were the masons. Thomas Fiorito did the electric work. The rostrum was in charge of Audie Nenni and Nick O’Mara.
Paul Bower (pictured) and Bill Bower were the organizers of the Fancher Memorial American Legion Post 1484.
From this Legion post Paul Bower and Aurie Nenni organized a group of veterans, stone cutters and town residents to erect the Memorial in Fancher.
1949 Building of the Monument
Twins Virginia & Margaret Bower, Carrying the American Flags–Fancher American Legion Auxiliary.
The Dedication – August 14th, 1949
Photos were given to Marsha DeFillips (Holley –Murray Historical Society) by Helena Christopher Spychalski