Mayor Newhard: Memorial Day 2021

  I believe this Memorial Day will have even greater weight of meaning as we transition back to normal life. It will be one of the first organized events we’ve had since COVID-19 restrictions began over a year ago. This year’s parade is organized by Nicholas P. Lesando Jr. American Legion Post 214. Lineup will be in front of Village Hall on Main St. and the parade will step off at 11 a.m. This year’s Grand Marshal is Tony Cossimano. 

   Last year, we did celebrate Memorial Day without a physical parade and as a much smaller private gathering at the Veteran’s Monument in Memorial Park. Although there was a fraction of the people who normally attend, it served as an important connective thread, a symbol and for that was very significant. Thank you to our Veterans, members of our VFW Post 4662 and American Legion Post 214 who ensured that this important solemn day of remembrance was observed. A parade is a community event and although last year it was cancelled through creative inspiration and technology, we had a remarkable virtual parade which is still available to view online. This wonderful tribute was created by Eileen Patterson, Jeanine Wadeson, and Kristina Hoti.

  Our community prepares for this coming Memorial Day. This Sunday, Boy Scouts from Troop 45 will be planting 103 flowering plants behind the Veteran’s Monument in honor of World War II US Army Veteran Benjamin Valenti. Mr. Valenti served in the 39th Infantry regiment, 9th Infantry Division and was recipient of a Purple Heart. The 103 plants are in honor of Mr. Valenti’s 103rd birthday on May 11, 2021. Mr. Valenti passed away in April of last year. The planting was a project envisioned prior to COVID-19 and is a collaboration of the Warwick VFW and Hugs for Courage and I’m grateful that it is now a reality. The planting is in Honor of Mr. Valenti and all who served our Country. Another sign that even under the most difficult of circumstances the human spirit and desire to continue exists.

  The changes over the past week as far as the loosening of mask restrictions by the CDC and NY State are a welcome relief. It is imperative that we recognize that unless you’ve been fully vaccinated that the mask rules still apply. Masks will still need to be worn in many situations – especially indoors, such as in municipal buildings, stores, or mass gatherings. This is a time of transition and changes happen almost daily, but the news is more positive than negative – the State-wide numbers are reassuring as we move forward.

  We are all looking forward to the coming Memorial Day Parade and as we line the streets to pay our respect, please remember that distancing still applies unless you are in family groups. The one marked difference will be to see actual smiles even on this solemn day.