More than 100 veterans, senior citizens and government officials gathered for Clarkstown’s Annual Memorial Day Service at the Street Community Center’s Promenade of Heroes. The threat of rainfall moved much of the ceremony inside after the placement of wreaths at monuments in honor of the nation’s fallen soldiers.
Various speakers touched on family members who had served in the military.
Clarkstown Town Supervisor Alex Gromack urged people to thank a veteran for their service and ask them what their role was.
“I think it’s important we try to make all Americans realize the sacrifices in battle,” he said.
He told the audience which included many veterans,” We do thank you for our extraordinary service to our nation.”
Representative Nita Lowey presented a Congressional Proclamation to the town for paying tribute to those who died to preserve liberty.
Clarkstown Police Chief Michael Sullivan said people are very proud of and grateful for veterans' dedication. Rev. Robert McKenna of St. Francis Assisi was the guest speaker.
After a recording of “Ragged Old Flag” by Johnny Cash, the attendees sang “God Bless America. Korean War Veterans Stanley Weissman and Dan Zerola and Marine Corps. League members Sam Papa and John Leighton retired the colors.
Members of many veterans groups participated along with Assemblyman Kenneth Zebrowski, Clarkstown Town Board members Frank Borelli, Stephanie Hausner, and George Hoehmann, Town Clerk Justin Sweet, Town Justices, Howard Gerber, Rolf Thorsen and Scott Ugell, Town Highway Superintendent Wayne Ballard, Legislator Ed Day, Rockland County Clerk Paul Piperato, and County Director of Veterans Services Jerry Donellan.
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