Wendy Werner
CherryRoad Media
A strong wind and temps in the 60’s did not deter people from attending the Memorial Day Program at Park Hill Cemetery in Syracuse Monday, May 26, 2025 at 11:15 a.m.
Jan Moore together with her brother Allen Eisenhauer and their mom, Gerri Eisenhauer Larson gave the Memorial Day Address, sharing “a story of a serviceman, the gratitude of a nation, and a sprinkling of miracles in between.”
Larson’s mother, Maxine, was pregnant with her when her father, Private William “Roy” Walters was drafted in June 1944 and killed in action a few months later.
Until August 2024, the details surrounding Walters’ death were unknown. Moore relayed becoming aware of the circumstances of his ultimate sacrifice and how the family traveled to the village of Gruz-sur-Loing south of Paris where they were celebrating the 80th year of Liberation and paying tribute to Private Walters.
“Our story is just one of hundreds of thousands of stories of American heroes. We feel so honored to be able to share this and hope that it shows a small amount of respect due to each and every veteran,” Moore said.
She concluded, “May we never forget the sacrifice of any of our American Veterans today, yesterday or tomorrow.”
Marcus Wilhelm, American Legion Post 100, emceed the event and Reverend Dr. Sarah Cordray, Luther Memorial Church, Syracuse, gave the Invocation and Benediction.
Isaac Hesterman, 2024 Boys State, read General Logan’s orders and Cy Peterson, 2024 Boys State, read the Gettysburg Address. Claire Noerrlinger, 2024 Girls State, In Flander’s Field and Jayden Meyer, 2024 Girls State, read America’s Answer.
Boy Scout Troop 337 assisted the VFW and American Legion Auxiliaries with the Placement of the Wreaths. Jerry Beach played Taps with Seth Paulsen providing the echo. Syracuse Junior and Senior High Bands provided the music prelude and played the National Anthem.
