To be here today, to be with you, to meet as a community is a joyful moment. The duration of the COVID-19 Pandemic has been often described as a year of years, a time like no other. Over the past 14 months, as a Country and Community, we have been contending with social isolation, prevention of the spread of the virus, and the sad loss of loved ones. During this time, and considering the many hardships we have faced, I often thought about our country during times of war and to recognize what it means to sacrifice at home or on foreign soil. Maybe this year gives us some insight, a glimpse of what a country or what a world must do when confronted by a menace or threat. In this case our Army, our protectors, have been Doctors, Nurses, and our Medical Community on the front lines – for their service we are eternally grateful. Especially now as we unwind from this difficult and historic period.
We gather on this day to pay respect to all the men and women who have bravely served our country and who we have lost. It is a moment to reflect and to acknowledge the magnitude of their actions and their sacrifice. It is also a moment to celebrate and to thank our local Veterans for their commitment to ensure that this solemn day be recognized and that their brethren are not forgotten.
I personally want to thank the American Legion for their efforts a year ago, Memorial Day 2020, when we were in the darker days of the Pandemic. Although there was no parade, there was a small but meaningful ceremony at our Veteran’s Monument. Although pared down, it remains in my mind a significant gesture of continuity and remembrance. It was this action that gave us hope as a community and helped many of us recognize that we must hold on to the things we hold dear and that we will return with new vigor, greater knowledge, and strength.
I want to thank all our Veterans and Veteran’s Organizations who through their activities promote, educate, and remind us all the meaning of citizenship and patriotic duty.
As part of today’s ceremony, we ring a bell for each brave soul we’ve lost this past year. To many of us they are friends and family members; to all of us they signify service and love of country. The bell, the intense singular note, is cathartic, it is a release from earthly bonds and is the moment we understand that this day is for them to be remembered and that as a community we mourn and say from our hearts that we are grateful for your service.
The next Village Board meeting will take place on Mon., June 7, at 7:30 p.m. and will be held through Zoom videoconference and may be viewed live by the public on the Village of Warwick, NY YouTube Channel.
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