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A Time of Remembrance, A Time To Honor All Of Our Soldiers Who Didn’t Come Home

 By Taylor Sterling 

Lee Greenwood sang it best: If tomorrow all the things were gone I worked for all my life And I had to start again with just my children and my wife I thank my lucky stars to be living here today ‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can’t take that away And I’m proud to be an American Where at least I know I’m free And I won’t forget the men who died Who gave that right to me And I’d gladly stand up next to you  And defend Her still today ‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land  God Bless the U.S.A. From the lakes of Minnesota To the hills of Tennessee Across the plains of Texas  From sea to shining sea From Detroit down to Houston And New York to L.A. Where’s pride in every American heart And it’s time we stand and say That I’m proud to be an American Where at least I know I’m free And I won’t  forget the men who died Who gave that right to me And I’d gladly stand up next to you And defend  her still today ‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land God Bless the U.S.A.

 

When I asked our Orange County Executive, Steve Neuhaus (also Commander in the US Naval Reserves) about what Memorial Day stands for he shared that… “Memorial Day is one of the most misrepresented in our calendar. It’s often confused with Veterans Day, but it’s simply about remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice defending our freedom. We are lucky in Orange County that we’ve had many Americans lay down their lives so we can enjoy our freedom. I am forever grateful!”  and Steve, we are grateful to you, for your service to our Country and our County!

The Mayor of the Village of Goshen, Molly O’Donnell had this to say about the Memorial Day Parade… “I am proud to be a part of the Goshen community every day, but especially today. The Memorial Day ceremonies held in the village were coordinated and hosted by VFW Post 1708 and American Legion Post 377, Commanders Ray Quattrini and Jim Heslop. I thank them for their dedication to planning and making a memorable day to honor those we have lost in the line of service to our country. Special thank you to all organizations who marched in the parade and our wonderful community for coming out and enjoying the day’s events.”  

Our Favorite Assemblyman, Karl Brabenec, Minority Whip, NYS Assemblyman, 98th District

attended Memorial Day Ceremonies with his team throughout the 98th District in Airmont, Hillburn, Sloatsburg, Monroe, Pine Island, Warwick, and Unionville. Karl commented on this Memorial Day, “It is so important that we remember and honor all those brave men and women who gave up their most precious gift to preserve our beautiful nation and ensure its prosperity for future generations,”

The Mayor of the Village of Cornwall-On-Hudson, James Gagliano had this to say on Memorial Day,

“The lesson of Memorial Day is captured in the penultimate scene in 1998’s ‘Saving Private Ryan,’ when a mortally wounded Captain Miller tells the young Private Ryan that to honor the rifle squad that perished while rescuing him, he should “earn this” — by living a worthy life that honors their sacrifice. We should all manifest that movie hero’s charge and “earn this” every single day of our lives in tribute to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to make and keep us free.”

Monroe Councilwoman & your next NY State Senator, Dorey Houle had this to share (she has a son in the military & her husband is retired NYC Police) “Memorial Day is a special day where we remember those who gave their lives to protect and defend our freedoms. We are grateful for the service of those brave men and women who have volunteered to serve in the armed forces. We pause with them as we commemorate those whose service ended with their sacrifice. May they never be forgotten. “

Congressman Pat Ryan, a West Point graduate who served two tours in Iraq shared his thoughts on this auspicious day, “This weekend, communities across our region came together to demonstrate, as we always have, that the Hudson Valley stands unwaveringly on the side of freedom. We honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect it. We owe them a debt that we can never repay.  Each Memorial Day reminds us that the full cost of war is human. My thoughts are with those I had the honor to serve alongside, from West Point classmates to fellow Fighting Eagles—friends who gave all.”

 Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of every soldier who died protecting it!