It appears that a mellow Memorial Day weekend will officially start the summer season in Sullivan County. Although snowbirds and secondary homeowners are arriving daily, the season appears to beginning later and later.
While many of us are preparing our grills, and sprucing up our gardens for the big weekend, our primary concentration should be that Memorial Day is a time for remembrance of those who have died in our nation’s service. During this busy weekend, we must all take a moment to remember those who were killed defending the freedom we often take for granted.
Although Sullivan County will be hosting many noteworthy events, traditional observances throughout our nation have diminished over the years. To help re-educate and remind us of the true meaning of the day, the “National Moment of Remembrance” resolution was passed by Congress in December 2000.
The resolution asks that at 3 PM on Monday, we voluntarily and informally observe in our own way a moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever we are doing for a moment of silence.
Many Towns and Villages will be holding memorial services, parades, and street fairs to mark Memorial Day. Sullivan County’s annual Memorial Day service will be held Monday at 1 PM at the Veterans Cemetery in Liberty.
The guest speaker will be Major Dan Colvin, currently serving as the Executive Officer of Marine Aircraft at Stewart Air National Guard Base. Major Colvin served over 25 years including 10 years as an enlisted marine.
Sunday there will be a Memorial Service at the Veterans Park in Woodridge at 4 PM. Bloomingburg will host a parade starting at 1 PM. The Town of Tusten will hold ceremonies at 11:15 AM.
On Monday, in Monticello there will be a service at the Veterans Monument at the County Government Center beginning at 10:30 AM. Al Etkin will serve as Master of Ceremonies.
In Liberty the annual Memorial Day Parade will be held at 10:30 AM, followed by a Memorial Service.
Fremont Center will play host to the second oldest Memorial Day Parade now in its 128th year beginning 10 AM.
Mamakating, Bethel, Obernburg, Neversink, Eldred, Barryville, Glen Spey, and Forestburgh will also be holding services.
Purchasing a Red Poppy from a Veterans organization during Memorial Day weekend has become a tradition.
The Poppy as many are unaware, became associated with war after the publication of a poem written by Col. John McCrae of Canada. The poem, “In Flander’s Field,” describes blowing red fields among the battleground of the fallen.
In Flanders Fields
John McCrae, 1915.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
For more than 75 years, the Poppy program has raised millions of dollars in support of the welfare and the well being of the dependents of our fallen heroes.
God Bless the souls of those who have lost their lives for us.
Dear Bill I would just like to let the people know that there was not ONE Flag Flying on Broadway Monticello Our county seat on Memoreal Day what a shame