After a Parade came down from the Platekill Town Hall, Saturday to gather at the Veterans Memorial at the town park, Supervisor Dean DePew welcomed everyone to the annual Memorial Day ceremony, noting, that “For those who served in the military Memorial Day holds a greater significance than the unofficial start of summer, as it commemorates the brave men and women who lost their lives defending our great nation. At the core of our military lie a unique theme; the selfless desire to serve and the willingness to sacrifice to defend our nation.”

 

DePew recalled that 155 years ago Memorial Day was known as Decoration Day with the goal of placing flowers on the graves in memory of those who fought to preserve the Union in the Civil War.

 

“The holiday’s name obviously has changed over the years, but its ideals and intention has not...Memorial Day is a day for both grief and celebration, reflecting on the tragic loss of life and recounting the courageousness of their service.”

President Truman once reminded our citizens that we owe a debt to the heroic men and women who served in our military.

 

“They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices. Because of these sacrifices, the dawn of Justice and Freedom throughout the world slowly casts its gleam across the horizon,” he said, in an address to the Armed Forces after the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt.

 

After the raising of the American Flag, led by USMC Col. Stuart C. Smith Jr. the singing of the National Anthem by Kim Rosenmeier, Pastor Eileen Daunt, of the Modena Memorial United Methodist Church delivered the Invocation.

 

“On this Memorial Day weekend we remember and give thanks for those who have given their lives in service to our country. When the need was great they stepped forward and did their duty to defend the freedoms that we enshrine,” she said.

 

Three service men, led by USMC Veteran Neal Peets, placed three wreaths at the memorial obelisk, followed by a moment of silence and two rings of a bell. Jim Farinelli, Commander HV Submarine, played Taps, followed by bagpiper Jim Hennesey performing ‘Amazing Grace.’  

 

Guest Speaker Col. Stuart C. Smith began by saying, “As we gather here today we pay homage to the true essence of honor, sacrifice and love for nation. Honor is not merely a word, it is a guiding principle woven into the  fabric of our nation. It is the unwavering respect we hold for those who have served, fought and laid down their lives to defend the freedoms we hold dear. It is in the courage of the brave men and women, who without hesitation, answered the call of duty to protect the ideals upon which this great nation was founded...It is the selflessness of those who gave their all, leaving behind their families, dreams and futures to ensure future generations could live in a land of liberty and opportunity that we enjoy today. Their sacrifice serves as a beacon, reminding us that freedom is not free but rather a priceless gift that must be cherished and protected at all costs.”

 

Col. Smith noted that our deep love of country transcends race, creed and background.

 

“It is a love born out of gratitude for the blessings of liberty, for the opportunity to pursue our dreams and for the unity that binds us together as one nation, indivisible. On this day let us heed the words of former President Ronald Reagan who once said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.” He concluded by saying “May God bless America and may we always strive to be worthy of the sacrifices made in her name.”

 

Kim Rosenmeier sang ‘God Bless America’

Supervisor DePew took a moment to honor Michael J. Lansperry, RM2 Petty Officer, United States Navy, and this year’s Grand Marshal and last year’s Grand Marshal Juan Figueroa, USMC, State Trooper and current Ulster County Sheriff. He thanked both men for their service.

 

DePew noted that this beautiful day begins the summer season, “but I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you to please reflect on the day and everything it’s about. So in honor of the brave souls who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, may their courage inspire us to live with purpose and gratitude. Wishing everyone a Memorial Day filled with reflection and appreciation for our American heroes.”