Category Archives: The American Civil War Memorial

2023 Henry Welles Award
The Henry C. Welles award honors those individuals who
“embody the character and commitment of the founder of Memorial Day toward the betterment of our community.”
YouTube Playlist of Henry Welles Award Winners 2009-2023
The Waterloo Library & Historical Society is proud to announce the 2023 Henry C. Welles Awardees are Dave and Darlene Duprey. The annual event will serve to kick off the Celebrate Commemorate weekend starting at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, May 26 in WLHS’s newly renovated Fatzinger Hall.
Dave and Darlene are lifelong stewards of the Waterloo community. They started their business, Duprey Video productions, in 1989. They have been married for 47 years, raising their 3 children in Waterloo and now have 3 grandchildren.
Together the Duprey’s have produced valuable footage for events all over the community and started their YouTube channel in 2019 WaterlooNYtube to share their decades of documentation. They have worked tirelessly on community projects including the downtown interactive map, walking tours, the historical mural, and the healing fields. They are active members of the Real Christmas Committee, and the Board of Directors of the Queen of Peace Apostolate, the St. Frances and St Clare Roman Catholic Parish pastoral Council and more. Dave and Darlene are founders of Waterloo in Bloom which provides plants and flowers for downtown including Vern’s Way, the Memory Bank, and Dempsey Park beautifying downtown.
As if doing all of that wasn’t enough individually the Duprey’s continued their commitment to service. Darlene served on the St. Mary’s Parent club for 17 years, chaired the St. Mary School yearbook committee for 8 years and co-chaired the St Mary’s Christmas Bazaar.
Dave was a village trustee for 20 years also serving as Deputy Mayor. While serving Waterloo he focused on Oak Island and its connection to downtown, improving the Village website as well as the American Civil War Memorial and the Cay-Seneca Canal Trail. He was also the past President of the Waterloo Business and Professional Association. Dave was imperative to the founding of the Celebrate Commemorate Memorial Day events in 2000 and has been a Co-chair for the past 20 years. Dave truly understands the true meaning of Memorial Day. During his long served time on the committee he ensured a constant connection to Veteran Organizations. During event planning as to always honor those who lost their lives while serving.
Like many other previous award winners the Duprey’s contributed to our community without an expectation of recognition. When they were told that they were chosen for this award they were shocked. They are proud to be listed among those they have looked up to for many years. Dave said he “felt extremely honored and lucky to have his wife by his side to accept this award as she supported him along the way.” Darlene has “enjoyed playing a part in promoting our wonderful community and preserving its history”
To find out more about this and other events hosted by the Waterloo Library & Historical Society, contact 315-539-3313, waterloolib@gmail.com or check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/waterloolhs.


The Hit Men
Saturday May 27th 12:00 – 12:20 pm
Lafayette Park Stage
Come & join us for a great show in LaFayette Park following their performance in the Celebrate Commemorate Parade at 11:00 am!
The Hit Men are a group of good fellas who come together from all parts of the New York area. They provide a performance that combines both the musical and the theatrical. Their show stopping demeanor means they provide the best entertainment around. Look around the site, and if you see what you like get a hold of us. If not then we’ll take care of yah.

Fritz Klein as President Abraham Lincoln May 26th-28th
Klein’s portrayal of Lincoln brings this American icon to life. He bears a striking physical resemblance to Lincoln. His programs are thoroughly researched, historically accurate, and blend Lincoln’s humor with his great humanity. His ability to adapt to any audience and adapt his program’s content to your theme means that you are guaranteed to walk away with new insight into the man and a genuine sense that you have been with Lincoln himself.
To prepare for a performance, it takes about an hour with costume and make-up. However, if you happen to have Lincoln in mind, his natural resemblance to Abraham Lincoln can be quite convincing. Several years ago when visiting Washington D.C. he created something of a stir when he walked into Ford’s Theater, the place where Lincoln was shot. Though Klein was dressed in ordinary street attire, with his 6’3″ height and Quaker beard one woman screamed outright when she looked up to see him casually strolling down the stairs.
Actor Fritz Klein of Springfield, Illinois has been a professional actor and speaker for many years. His portrayal of Lincoln brings this American icon to life. Klein brings striking physical resemblance as well as historical accuracy, acting ability, humor, and relevance to the audience. Productions vary in content and length according to the need and character of the audience, but you will come away with new insight and the sense that you have been with Lincoln himself. Klein was first asked to portray Lincoln after performing as Lyman Beecher in a local history pageant in Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i where he lived at the time. After a number of requests for repeat performances, he decided to begin extensive research in order to write a one-man production on Lincoln. That production has led to many others. He has since performed as Lincoln in 38 states and internationally as well. He and his wife Linda now reside in Springfield, Illinois where he performs at the new Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, as well as many other venues around the country. In the summer Klein plays Lincoln in a variety of venues in a program called “History Comes Alive. In 2011 Klein was featured in the National Park Service’s recreation of Lincoln’s Inaugural Journey, travelling from Springfield to Washington, DC. and performing for some 5,000 people enroute. Klein portrayed Lincoln in a feature entitled “Lost River” and four History Channel Lincoln Bicentennial spots, as well as the award-winning Lincoln film at the Lincoln Home National Park “Journey to Greatness” by Aperture films of Los Angeles. On President Obama’s Inauguration night, Klein was Lincoln in the first American showing of a German film called “Lincoln’s Last Night” produced by VIDICOM of Hamburg and again featured at the Smithsonian for the 2013 Inauguration. Klein was also featured in the 2013 Ford’s Theater exhibit put together by History Channel. Klein has also done numerous documentary and feature films for National Geographic, Discovery and History Channel including “Stealing Lincoln’s Body”, “Lincoln’s Secret Killer”, and “American Mastermind”. In 2013 the Smithsonian film, “Lincoln’sWashingtonWar” aired in 2013, on the Smithsonian Channel, and he appeared on National television with “Larry the Cable Guy”. In April 2015 a new documentary “Lincoln’s Last Day” aired on the Smithsonian Channel. Recent plays include a 2012 role in the Pulitzer – Prize nominated production “The Heavens Are Hung in Black” by James Still, and a 2014 appearance with actor Carlo Garcia in “Of Mutual Interest – Lincoln and Mexico” before Illinois Governor and delegates from Mexico. In the Fall of 2014 a new Ken Bradbury play about Lincoln’s assassination called “Last Full Measure” opened at Union Theater in the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum. That play will continue to run in locations around the country through 2016.
President Abraham Lincoln (Fritz Klein) speaks at the American Civil War memorial in Waterloo, New York. As keynote speaker at the annual Illumination Ceremony, He was asked to make some comments about the battles at Gettysburg and his part in the dedication of the cemetery. His comments conclude with his famous Gettysburg Address, recited as only the President could.
<p class=”wpview-selection-before”></p>

Memorial Day Post Covid Bike Rally
MONDAY MAY 29th, 2023
Lead by The Patriot Guard Riders of NY and Waterloo Legion Riders
Sponsored by Molly M. Headley Insurance & Sessler Companies
Ride with us through the beautiful Finger Lakes Region this Memorial Day
and show your support for those who served to protect our freedoms!
Return to the Waterloo VFW for a Buffet Lunch!
ALL PROCEEDS SUPPORT New York Patriot Guard Riders, Waterloo VFW,
Waterloo American Legion and Celebrate Commemorate Event
8:00am – 10:00am -Registration at Waterloo VFW, 29 E. Elisha Street, Waterloo
10:00am – 2:00pm -Scenic Ride through the Finger Lakes Region
2:00pm -Return to Waterloo VFW for a Buffet Lunch
Questions? Chris Shaffer 315-719-8106
e-mail: chris@sesslerwrecking.com
2023 Biker Registration Form

Fireworks, by Pyrotecnico – Oak Island, Saturday May 27th, 9:30pm
Here’s a clip of the 2016 Grand Finale!!

Living History and Civil War Dignitary Event Schedule

Illumination and Remembrance Ceremony
The AMERICAN CIVIL WAR MEMORIAL
Remembers the fifty-eight men of Waterloo who died in the Civil War (1861-1865) and recognizes all the soldiers and sailors who gave their lives in the conflict.
Ceremony at the American Civil War Memorial will be held on Friday, May 26, 2022 at 8:00pm. Located on the corner of Locust Street & South Virginia Street. https://www.americancivilwarmemorial.com


Schedules – Applications – Maps available
If you are looking for a Schedule of Events, Event Map or 5k Race Map, or need an Application for an event or wish to be a vendor, please visit this link.