“We gather here today to honor the ideals, principles and freedoms that we all cherish. We must never forget the true meaning of this day,” said New York State Congressman John Hall (D-Carmel). “Today we find America’s finest overseas – fighting tyranny and terrorism.”
Hall spoke to a crowd of more than 100 community members on May 26 at a Memorial Day ceremony in front of the Dutchess County War Memorial at the John K. Rinaldi Memorial Park in the Town of Poughkeepsie.
A supporter of veterans’ rights, Hall stressed the importance of taking care of the country’s veterans following their service to the country, and taking care of the families of those who have fallen during duty.
A dozen wreaths were ceremoniously placed on the war memorial on behalf of a number of agencies, including the Gold Star Mothers, the Dutchess County War Memorial Committee, the Arlington American Legion, and the Town of Poughkeepsie. Afterward, Arlington Middle School students recognized the five branches of the military, and read the names of local soldiers who have served and fallen.
Guest speaker City of Poughkeepsie Mayor John Tkazyik explained the history of the holiday’s nationwide observance, which began in 1868 as “Decoration Day,” and was celebrated each year on May 30. The holiday’s alternative name, “Memorial Day,” was not recognized until nearly a century later, and in 1968 the observance of Memorial Day, along with two other holidays, was moved from its traditional date to a specified Monday, creating a three-day weekend.
“We must not forget the true importance of this day. It is a day to remember all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for us,” said Tkazyik. “How lucky we are in Dutchess County, to be protected by some of our state’s and nation’s finest.”