This Monday is Memorial Day, a holiday dedicated to the memory of the men and women who have died in military service for our country. Too often, the day is stripped of its meaning, becoming instead the de-facto gateway to summer, warm weather and vacations. And even though it might be easy to push the commemorative aspect of the day out of mind, we shouldn’t need to be reminded of the stark importance of recognizing those who made the ultimate sacrifice, including the 4,058 American soldiers killed so far in the Iraq War through May 18. If we only set aside one day a year for remembrance of these heroes, then we owe it to ourselves to make the most of the chance to pay tribute to the brave souls who helped make out country what it is today.
With that in mind, here’s a partial listing of the Memorial Day services throughout the area. For a complete list, visit http://www.co.dutchess.ny.us/CountyGov/Departments/CountyExecutive/14335.htm, and remember to honor our veterans, on Memorial Day and throughout the year.
Saturday, May 24
• 11 a.m., Wappinger: Ceremony at New Hamburg Yacht Club
Sunday, May 25
• 2 p.m., Poughkeepsie: Parade from Montgomery Street to Soldier’s Fountain, with ceremony to follow. Hosted by American Legion Post 37.
Monday, May 26
• 9 a.m., Wappinger: Parade from Wappingers Rural Cemetery to St. Mary’s Church to Mesier Park
• 9:30 a.m., Poughkeepsie: Ceremony at the Dutchess County War Memorial, corner of Main Street and Raymond Avenue. Hosted by the D.C. War Memorial Committee.
10 a.m., Red Hook: Parade and ceremony at Memorial Park, hosted by American Legion Post 7765.
• 10 a.m., Hyde Park: Parade from Hyde Park Cinemas to Town Hall, with ceremony to follow. Hosted by the town.
• 10 a.m., Poughkeepsie: Ceremony at 50 Legion Rd., hosted by American Legion Post 1466.
• 10:30 a.m., Rhinebeck: Parade from Mulberry Street to Route 9 to Rhinebeck Cemetery, with ceremony to follow. Hosted by American Legion Post 429.
• Noon, Poughkeepsie: Ceremony and luncheon at 55 Overlook Rd., hosted by American Legion Post 1302.
• 2 p.m., Poughkeepsie: Ceremony at the Manor at Woodside, Academy Street, hosted by American Legion Post 37.