PART I
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Waterville Jr.-Sr. High SchoolThursday, January 24, 20084:00 P.M.*********
By RENEE GAMELA
Observer-Dispatch
WATERVILLE — The family of Army Cpl. John Sigsbee will remember his bravery today as they find their own courage to bid farewell to the fallen soldier.
The funeral for the 21-year-old Waterville native will begin at 10 a.m. today at Waterville Central School.
“Even after he passed, people are drawing so much strength from him,” his aunt Cindy Woods said Thursday during calling hours at the school.
Sigsbee’s sacrifice has touched many in the region, including one 85-year-old World War II veteran from Utica, whom Woods said called the Sigsbees’ home this week.
The veteran told Woods he’d been reading about her nephew’s life each morning for the past several days, and he had to call with his condolences.
“He said to ‘tell the parents that they not only raised a fine son, but they raised a fine patriot,’” she said. “I don’t think I’ll ever forget that one.”
Here’s a look at why some individuals came to Sigsbee’s calling hours Thursday night.
‘The ultimate price’
A large American flag hung from a curtain behind Sigsbee’s casket.
Two ‘Screaming Eagles’ flags were displayed on each side, signifying the 101st Airborne Division in Fort Campbell, Ky., where Sigsbee was a member of the 32nd Cavalry Unit.
Music played quietly, and floral arrangements were set up near the wings of the stage. Throngs of people spilled into the hallways, all waiting to honor the soldier who died doing the job those who knew him say he loved.
Karen and Brian Strong of Vernon are friends of Sigsbee’s family. They’re also members of the Clinton V.F.W. 9591 and the Franklin Springs American Legion 232.
“Burying a child is traumatic itself,” Karen Strong said, “and to die the way he died, defending our country, he did pay the ultimate price.”
‘Most important thing’
Dave Maliani’s college roommate at SUNY Oneonta was a good friend of Sigsbee’s. That’s how Maliani said he came to know the soldier and why he paid tribute to him Thursday.
“This was the most important thing in his life, the military,” said Maliani, 22, of Utica. “Regardless of how you feel about the war, the support of United States soldiers is imperative. It’s the most important thing that we can honor — U.S. military service.”
The Patriot Guard
Patriot Guard members stood in silence and held the poles of large American flags as people wishing to pay their respects to Sigsbee waited in line inside the high school.
The guard is a national organization of motorcycle enthusiasts who attend military funerals and honor returning veterans.
Ride Captains Peg and Ed Czarnecki of Herkimer organized about 30 guard members to be present at the calling hours. Ed Czarnecki is a Vietnam War Veteran.
As Peg Czarnecki began to describe why it’s important for the Patriot Guard to honor Sigsbee, she held back tears.
“Just give me a minute,” she told an O-D reporter as she took a deep breath.
“The very least that America can do is stand for him,” Peg Czarnecki said.
Never forgotten
About 300 members from local veterans’ organizations filled the auditorium. Some stood in front of Sigsbee’s casket, and many lined the aisles in the room.
“Another comrade has been called to the high command,” one veteran said loudly before the crowd. “He’s gone to report to the high commander of us all.”
People bowed their heads as prayers were said. Some put their hands over their hearts.
Veterans saluted the patriot as “Taps” played. Each of the members then passed by Sigsbee and individually gave him a final salute.
Sigsbee was awarded the Purple Heart when he was wounded by a roadside bomb in July 2006 outside Balad, Iraq.
Joe Fraccola, commander of the Central New York Chapter 490 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, spoke of Sigsbee’s commitment and said the nation sends “young kids to war who come home men.”
“He was a true American soldier,” Fraccola said, “a true hero and a true patriot. He represented freedom for every American citizen, and we’re here to make sure he’s never forgotten.”
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I received this E-mail from one who was with the American Legion: "Someone said there were over three hundred of us. The Order of the Purple Heart was there and some drove as long as three hours to attend. Also, in great abundance were members of the VFW. Makes one proud to be an American and to have served with the ilk of John Sigsbee!"
WKTV - Thursday evening news.*******
I attended Calling Hours for several reasons, but none of them involved a camera. If it's true that "a picture's worth a thousand words," I think I'll be stringing several photographs' worth in the next few days. The images held in my memory are that important: I don't want them to fade.
The Route that will be taken by the Procession as it leaves Waterville following the 10 o'clock Funeral Service this morning.
(Click to enlarge.)
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Saratoga National Cemetery.****************************************************************************************************PART II
It's 16.5 degrees with gentle snow falling. It's Garbage Day! 
- Today: A mix of clouds and sun. Chance of some flurries or squalls, especially north and west of Utica. 1"-3" possible in Lewis and Northern Herkimer County. High in the mid 20s.
- Tonight: Lake snows ending up north. Otherwise, clear, but clouds slowly increasing late. Low near 10 degrees.
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy with flurries possible. High: 28, Low: 21
- Sunday: Decreasing clouds, with perhaps a morning flurry. High: 29, Low: 17
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Some interesting statistics of what is available
at the
Give - Away
that begins at ten this morning
at St. Bernard's Catholic Church.
- Over 200 coats and jackets
- Over 400 stuffed animals and dolls (lots of other toys too)
- A whole room of housewares.
- Nearly 500 pairs of pants (including over 200 pairs of jeans)
- Nearly 600 men's, women's, and children's sweaters
- Tables and tables of kids' clothes
- Countless skirts, shirts, blouses, and shorts
Some basic ground rules:
Please enter through the back entrance of the Church Hall
PLEASE BE CAREFUL DRIVING IN THE PARKING LOT!!!
If you have never been to this, be advised that the "veterans" bring large garbage bags. You will want to do the same!!!
The clothing giveaway is sponsored by the Waterville Food Pantry, Waterville Senior Citizens and St. Bernards Social Action committee. The leftovers go to a school near Hamilton. A local family keeps the remaining household items in the unfortunate event of a fire or similar disaster.
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KEEP the FLAGS FLYING!
