Port Byron Patriotism

Patriotism was abound today at Port Byron School as part of the Wreaths Across America program.  The students did a wonderful job under the direction of Dr. Linda Townsend.

Pictured above is a mural located in the common area of the Dana L. West Jr./Sr. High School.  Principal Bissetta granted permission to share this photo on my history blog for those living out of the area.  This image captures the heart of our PB Panthers as they honor our soldiers, especially those that have made the ultimate sacrifice in giving their life to our Country.  It reads:

Honorably following tradition bravely

fighting for our land's protection.

Your selfless sacrifice tears at our hearts,

We Forevermore will bear these deep scars.

We mark your fall untimely 

Gone, you've kept us free.

Panthers you will forever be.

                          

                                             M. Brewster  Class of '84

Above mural was painted by Chelsea Crawford-Class of 2010

Port Byron Wreaths Across America 2012 by DRoe

Port Byron was the only high school in New York State to participate in the Wreaths Across America program this year.  As historian, it was my pleasure to speak about our African American soldiers of the Civil War and their contributions to the Lockwood Post GAR #175 of Port Byron.  As a member of the Mrs. Benjamin Harrison Tent #2 DUVCW, it was an honor to add to the patriotic instruction of the day.

Owasco Chapter DAR sponsored a wreath which was placed at the Lockwood Post GAR monument at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.  The monument is surrounded by soldiers of the civil war, including the grave of John Thomas of the USCT who is laid to eternal rest next to his fellow comrades without prejudice.  I would like to thank my fellow DAR sisters for their participation.  

A fabulous color guard lined the entire length of the auditorium, many coming from the Rochester area.  The program reminded us that freedom is not free.  On behalf of the Port Byron community, we thank all of our service men and woman who serve to preserve our freedoms.

Steam Boat Port Byron

Here's an interesting article that captured my attention!

To find any steam boat named Port Byron is worth exploration:

Click here for Mahan patent for propulsion of Canal Boats.

Click here for Primus Emerson patent for paddle wheel.  

Civil War Soldiers of Port Byron and Mentz

Did you have a relative that served in the Civil War from Port Byron?  Come visit my latest project that features our soldiers.  The list includes soldiers born here, served or enlisted from here as well as soldiers buried in our cemeteries.

I am hopeful this will become the home for biographies, to make our men more than just names and dates.  This is the initial launch of my vision.  If anyone has a soldier from our community and would like to feature that soldier's story, just send me your write up in word and I will add the link.  Do take credit for anything you submit by including who wrote the report in the header and perhaps even your email address just in case a reader desires to contact you.  Who knows, the report could connect you with cousins you never knew you had.

Due to the large volume of data, if anyone sees an error or knows of a soldier missing, contact me so that we can continue to build our military history of the civil war.


I will be adding this link with the military links on this blog.  It will be added as ver. 1.  If any update is made, the link will be changed sequentially to provide a visual when the data has changed.

Port Byron and Mentz has much to be proud of with our veterans.  We continue to share this legacy today of protecting freedom.

Click the link below to see our soldiers:

Civil War Soldiers of Port Byron and Mentz