By Lourice Angie
On Mon., May 31, Memorial Day observances were held throughout the Town of Warwick in honor of all the fallen military personnel who perished while serving the nation. In the Village of Warwick, the Memorial Day parade was organized by the veterans of the Nicholas P. Lesandro Jr. American Legion Post 214. Local veteran members of the VFW Post 4662 and American Legion Post 214 play the most significant role in ensuring that this solemn day of remembrance is always observed.
Hundreds of people attended the parade this year with attendees that included elected officials, dignitaries, local veterans, first responders, civic organizations and community members of all ages. Line up began in front of the Village Hall on Main St. in Warwick This year’s Grand Marshal was Veteran Tony Cossimano. American Legion Post 214 Commander Stan Martin was the master of ceremonies. The Warwick Valley High School Marching Band led the way as they performed patriotic songs that brought the crowd to cheers. Warwick Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts marched close behind.
The parade was followed by ceremonies at the Warwick Cemetery, St. Stephen’s Cemetery, and the Firefighter’s Memorial in Veterans Memorial Park. During the ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park, local officials shared words that honored all veteran’s past and present.
“After a year of being bottled up and not being able to express our true emotions, this was a welcome moment for us all. Maybe it’s fitting that the first event we could be together was one that is solemn and focused on the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for our country. It puts it all into perspective. I want to thank all our Veterans and Veterans organizations who through their activities promote, educate and remind us all of the meaning of citizenship and patriotic duty,” said Village of Warwick Mayor Michael Newhard.
Veteran John Mc Donald added, “To me Memorial Day is a somber day when we recognize those servicemen and women who have secured our freedom by paying the ultimate price with their lives. We must never forget.”
VFW Post 4662 made their way down Main St. on Mon., May 31, during the Memorial Day Parade in the Village of Warwick.
The Color Guard led the parade on Mon., May 31 during the Annual Memorial Day Parade in the Village of Warwick.
Local & elected officials march in the Annual Memorial Day Parade in the Village of Warwick.
This year’s Grand Marshal, Tony Cossimano of the American Legion Post 214 is driven down Main St. during the Memorial Day Parade in Warwick.
Local Veteran & photojournalist Ed Bailey takes a photo of the crowd from the VFW Post 4662 float.
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