by Bea Peterson
The weather on Memorial Day was perfect. Perfect for marching or watching a parade. Perfect for remembering. The route of the Center building, which is dedicated to veterans of World War II. There the parade pauses to remember. [private]It stops again at the intersection of Church and Main Streets, near the cemeteries where veterans from every war are buried. Several of them died in battle, particularly in World Wars I and II. At a recent Town Board meeting Town Historian Phil Leonard said during World War II, for 14 months, one Hoosick family a month received a telegram that a someone they loved had been killed.
The parade itself is a memorial to all those who died for freedom’s sake. It is made up of volunteer firefighters who protect their communities and church groups that offer spiritual guidance to these communities. There are adult leaders training Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and 4H youngsters to be good citizens. There are coaches teaching fair play and good sportsmanship and music and dance to lift the spirit. In their memory and because of the sacrifices of these men and women we are free to do all that we do.
In The Park
In Wood Park Village Trustee and Master of Ceremonies Ben Patten welcomed everyone. In the invocation Fr. Tom Zelker said we came today without political interest to remember those who served. He offered a prayer that there would be a new reign of peace, for people of all faiths, throughout the world.
Parade Chairman Don Bogardus recognized Grand Marshal Tom Restino, Sr. as a community leader and one of the founders of American Legion Post #40.
Hoosick Town Supervisor Keith Cipperly said all the men and women who serve are heroes. They send a message of freedom. He noted that many of those lost in WW I served in the 105th Division. And he ended with a quote from General Patton, “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.”
Hoosick Falls Mayor David Borge said those who have gone before us in service have inspired us. We continue to pay the price of freedom, he said. He asked that everyone remember why we’re gathered here today.
Rensselaer County Legislator Stan Brownell said happy Memorial Day is a cliché. He said he is thankful for the men and women who gave their lives so that there can be a happy Memorial Day.
American Legion Post #40 Commander Bernie Gerard said he was grateful for the sacrifices made by the men and women who have served and for the sacrifices made by their families.
Keynote speaker Lester Goodermote said Memorial Day was a day to say thank you to those who have protected and continue to protect our freedom. He said those who have died in battle have made this day possible. “They are not forgotten, today or any day. We shall always thank them and honor them. We will never forget – they will never be dishonored.”
There was music by the Taconic Pipe Band and the combined Community Band and HFCS Symphonic Band, which was directed by Bill Brown. The program ended with a salute by the American Legion Honor Guard and taps. The Rev. Mike Benoit introduced Rev. Ken Webster who gave the Benediction, followed by the National Anthem.
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