With preparations underway across the nation to honor the men and women of the military who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice for their country this Memorial Day, the Cayuga County Veterans Service Agency (VSA) will honor one particular soldier on Sunday.
A memorial service at Pine Hill Cemetery in Throop will pay honor Cayuga County Native and Medal of Honor Recipient, Specialist Robert F. Stryker.
VSA Director Kevin Swab told Finger Lakes News Radio that the service will be short but impactful.
“A little bit of history about Robert Stryker will be said, the American Legion will do a rifle volley salute, a flag will be brought to half staff then brought back up,” said Swab, “That’s about it, something simple to remember his service and sacrifice.”
At the age of 22, Stryker lost his life on November 7, 1967, when he threw himself at an enemy explosive, saving at least six of his fellow servicemembers.
“He jumped in front of essentially the equivalent of a Claymore mine, using his body to catch shrapnel to save some of his fellow servicemen in Vietnam,” Swab continued.
Stryker was born in Auburn on November 9, 1944, and entered service in Throop in 1963.
Swab added that, following the service, there will be a reception at nearby Classic Cones for military-connected families.
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