Amenia honors the sacrifice of the fallen on Memorial Day

AMENIA — Veterans, townspeople and children gathered on Monday, May 27, for a traditional Memorial Day observance to honor the fallen who bravely served their country. Prayers, speeches and patriotic music brought the community together to remember.

Usually held at Fountain Square, this year’s observance was moved indoors to the Town Hall because of rain. The event was organized by VFW Post #5444 of Dover Plains.

The ceremony began promptly at 11 a.m. with an Honor Guard presenting the colors.

VFW Commander Nick Woodard welcomed the more than 100 who gathered in the Town Hall auditorium, to honor the memory of the brave men and women who answered the call to duty.

“Those who served left farms, friends and loved ones,” Town Supervisor Leo Blackman remembered, citing the responsibility borne by all to maintain freedoms. He noted that Amenia’s Memorial Wall at Fountain Square holds the names of all the honored who sacrificed.

“We gather again to honor and reinforce patriotic values,” Blackman said.

Joseph Sobol presented a folk rendition of the national anthem.

Speaking of the depth of national gratitude, the Rev. A.J. Stack of St. Thomas Episcopal Church asked for kindling of the flame of unwavering devotion to duty that preserved the peace and tranquility of the nation.

A closing prayer was offered by the Rev. R. Kent Wilson of Immaculate Conception Church remembered the fallen as having given the most precious gift for others and for us. He asked that their memory be honored by ensuring that their comrades are cared for.

“May we never forget what they have done,” Rev. Wilson said.

In closing the ceremony, Commander Woodard thanked all who contributed to the ceremony, including the local fire departments, the Community Enhancement Committee, Vicki Doyle, Leo Blackman and members of Post #5444.