After a hiatus caused by the pandemic, the Plattekill Memorial Day Parade returned last Sunday and was greeted warmly by all in attendance.

Deputy Town Supervisor Dean DePew Sr. welcomed everyone to the service. He asked for a moment of silence for former town Councilman Larry Farrelly who passed away on April 14 of this year. He was an Army Veteran and a member of the town’s Veterans Committee.

“We’re here to honor our heroes, their achievements, their courage, their dedication and to say thank you for their sacrifices,” DePew said. “We stand in the midst of patriots and the family and friends of those who have nobly served.”

Past and present Veterans formed a semi-circle around the obelisk Memorial stone and passed a folded American flag between them that was then set at half-mast on the flagpole.

Pastor Cory McCaw, of the Light House Bible Baptist Church, offered the Invocation.

“Heavenly Father, as we come to you on this Memorial Day, we give thanks to all the men and women who gave their lives so unselfishly fighting for our liberty and freedom,” he said. “We pray for all those who are still serving our country with courage and help us to never forget the sacrifices that were made by these soldiers, for their blood won our freedom.”

After the placing of the wreaths, guest speaker Col. Stuart C. Smith Jr. of the United States Marine Corps spoke of a moving tribute written by former SEAL Jocko Willink. He wrote from the perspective of soldiers who fought in all of our nation’ conflicts. He ended by reminding the reader that,“You have the joys of life, the joys that I gave up so that you can relish in them. A cool wind in the air. The gentle spring grass on your bare feet and the warm summer sun on your face. Friends, family and freedom, never forget where it all came from. It came from sacrifice, the supreme sacrifice. Don’t waste it, don’t waste any of your time on this earth. Live a life that honors the sacrifice of our fallen heroes. Remember them always and make every day...Memorial Day.”

The singing of ‘God Bless America’ was followed by the presentation of two Certificates of Recognition by Sis Morse, Chair of the Plattekill Veteran’s Committee. One was to former Supervisor Joe Croce for his support of the committee and the other was to Scout Troop 195 who have participated in the Memorial Day parades from the beginning.

Bagpiper William Hennessey played Amazing Grace followed by closing remarks by DePew.

“Our gathering is just one small spark in the flame of pride that burns across the nation today and every day. Memorial Day is a special day to remember, to reflect back on and give thanks for all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice,” he said. “Your presence here today and that of the people gathering all across America, is a tribute to those lost troops and to their families. It’s a way to say we remember you and honor you forever.”