Although it is long-gone for some people Memorial Day isn't just May 30. It is the birthday of their loved ones who have never had the chance to live a full life. If he hadn't been killed in action in Germany, Hugh Roland Gardiner, Jr. would have been 75 years 
old on August 20, 2000. He joined the army in September 1944 and six months later, on March 21, 1945 he was dead at the age of 19.

After graduation from Owego Free Academy in 1943, he worked for George Merscreau on his Marshland Road farm for a year before enlisting in the army. He could have received a deferment because of his employment on a farm, but chose not to. He had a number of friends and classmates in his short life growing up in Apalachin, but it is doubtful if many would remember him today, except for his family. His sister, Phyllis Schneider, of Apalachin, recalls how he assumed much responsibility after their mother died when he was only ten. His sister Mary treasures the few photographs she has of him - the one in his boy scout uniform, the high school photo flaunting his thick, curly-dark hair, the one of him and the family outside the funeral home when his mother died. And then there were a couple of other pictures.

The "others" are aged snapshots of a white cross on his grave in Luxembourg where he was buried. His dad, Hugh R. Gardiner, could have re-interred his son's remains in the United States, but after wrestling with the decision, chose to leave it as it was in Hamm National Cemetery, Luxembourg. 

Luxembourg is a small, independent duchy, bounded by Germany, France, and Belgium. It is only 1000 square miles, with a population of less than one hundred thousand. The Gardiner family soon found that a number of people there felt deep sympathy for the Americans buried at Hamm. One couple "adopted"

Hugh's grave by visiting as often as they could and put flowers on it. They corresponded with the Gardiner's for a while, and mailed a small photo of the two of them at the grave. Eventually they came to America and paid a visit to Hugh's family, but over the years they lost touch with each other.

In 1948, an attempt was made by the Apalachin Civic Club to erect a Veteran's Memorial building. Ground was broken and the foundation was dug, and on July 10 of that year, more than 3000 people turned out for the Apalachin Old Home Day Celebration. Ceremonies for the anticipated building were held, dedicating it to the only two Apalachin veterans who were killed in the war, Hugh Gardiner, Jr. and Gerald Maloney. Unfortunately, it never got any further than the foundation, due to the lack of funds.

Over the years, things like a proposed veteran's memorial building, and especially, the names of the men who gave their lives for our country, are forgotten - almost. When the war memorial was dedicated at Tioga County's Courthouse Square in 1987, it was inevitable that some of the names would be omitted for one reason or another. Hugh Roland Gardiner, Jr.'s name was one of them. It is a poignant thought that at one time a building would be erected in his name, and wasn't, and later, a war memorial on the village square would display his name, then didn't Hopefully, there will be a way for the veteran's committee to add these deserving names. It is important that the future generations who stroll through Courthouse Square learn the names of the veterans who literally sacrificed their lives to give them the freedom to stroll; and while they are at it, quietly wish them a "Happy Birthday."