To some, Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer. It means school is out, vacation begins and backyard parties commence. To others, Memorial Day weekend is much more than just time by the pool.

“For me, it’s not a party, it’s honor and respect for those that died for our country and our safety,” William Schleicher said.

Schleicher is second vice commander of the Eckley E. Patch American Legion Post 470 in Bath. He also serves as president of the Legion Riders.

Above all that, he’s a veteran.

“I’m a veteran, both of my grandfathers, my great uncle, my brother, my nephew - we’re all veterans,” Schleicher said. “I think every veteran should be involved in something like this.”

Schleicher was referring to the Memorial Day celebration at the Bath American Legion May 26. The event was held on the front lawn of the Post at 278 Race St., and was hosted by the American Legion Post, Legion auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion, American Legion Riders and their families.

Post Commander Brian Radcliffe officiated the ceremony joined by Father Christopher Butera, of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Bath. Butera is a military chaplain who has been promoted to the rank of major.

Friends and family members came to show their support in honoring American veterans, but more specifically, to honor three members of the Bath Legion who lost their lives within the past year - Richard Dech, Andrew Donello and William Pickett.

“It’s the little bit that we can do to say thank you,” Radcliffe said. “They’re the ones that gave us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today.”

Radcliffe, a Navy veteran, got emotional at times throughout the ceremony.

“I can sit there and type this up and read it 100 times, but until you get up there and read it in front of everybody with the overall feelings of the day, there’s nothing we can say to thank those men and women enough,” Radcliffe said. “This is near and dear to my heart.”