Amenia honors its war dead

Amenia honors its war dead
Amenia Town Supervisor Victoria Perotti addressed a Memorial Day gathering at Fountain Square on Monday, May 29, flanked by color and honor guards from VFW Post 5444 and the Amenia Fire Co. 
Photo by John Coston

AMENIA – Amenia remembered and honored its war dead on Monday, May 29, under a sparkling morning sky.

More than 60 residents assembled at the Fountain Square for short speeches, prayers and a laying of the wreath as taps was played.

Nick Woodard, commander of VFW Post 5444 in Amenia as well as a veteran of Germany and Vietnam, opened the ceremony.  “Our presence here is in solid commemoration to all these men and women,” he said, noting the war memorial that bears the names of those who died in war “and is an expression of our tribute  for their devotion to duty for courage, patriotism by their service for the flag of our nation.”

Amenia Town Supervisor Victoria Perotti, who was flanked by honor and color guards from VFW Post 5444 and the Amenia Fire Co., also spoke: “Memorial Day offers a chance to reflect on the countless individuals who served and lost their lives by coming together with the families and communities left behind. It also includes those veterans who end their lives after they’ve returned.

“Memorial Day is in remembrance of soldiers who fell in combat risking their lives for their country. They have fallen but are not forgotten. And have our deepest gratitude for their ultimate sacrifice.”

Following Perotti’s remarks, which received strong applause, Commander Woodard escorted two children, Kaden and Avery Chrapowitzky of Wappingers Falls, to place the wreath alongside the memorial as the VFW Post 5444 and Amenia Fire Co. guards saluted while taps played.

The ceremony ended following a prayer from the Rev. R. Kent Wilson of the Church of Immaculate Conception in Amenia.

Commander Woodard invited everyone back to the post for light refreshments.

Related Articles Around the Web

Latest News

A scenic 32-mile loop through Litchfield County

Whenever I need to get a quick but scenic bicycle ride but don’t have time to organize a group ride that involves driving to a meeting point, I just turn right out of my driveway. That begins a 32-mile loop through some of the prettiest scenery in northern Litchfield County.

I ride south on Undermountain Road (Route 41 South) into Salisbury and turn right on Main Street (Route 44 West). If I’m meeting friends, we gather at the parking area on the west side of Salisbury Town Hall where parking is never a problem.

Keep ReadingShow less
Biking Ancramdale to Copake

This is a lovely ride that loops from Ancramdale north to Copake and back. At just over 23 miles and about 1,300 feet of elevation gain, it’s a perfect route for intermediate recreational riders and takes about two hours to complete.It’s entirely on quiet roads with little traffic, winding through rolling hills, open countryside, picturesque farms and several lakes.

Along the way, you’ll pass a couple of farmstands that are worth a quick visit. There is only one hill that might be described as steep, but it is quite short — probably less than a quarter-mile.

Keep ReadingShow less
North East town records brought into the digital age

Chris Virtuoso reorganized parcel records in the North East Town Hall basement by parcel number during the process of scanning and digitizing the documents.

Photo by Grace DeMarco

MILLERTON — Within the walls of the two-story Victorian housing the North East Town Hall lies a room-full of town records dating back to the late 19th century. Stored in labeled cardboard boxes and protected by dehumidifiers, the records are in the process of being dated, organized, and scanned into categorized online programs.

As the Town Hall works to relocate to 5603 Route 22 at the former Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness, the consolidation and digitalization of records, as well as the disposal of those unneeded, is a time-sensitive project. Marcy Wheatley, the Deputy Town Clerk, emphasized their current heavy focus on organizing and scanning. “Now, when we move, we can get rid of a lot,” Wheatley stated.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millbrook Fire Department Carnival returns

The Thorne Building on Franklin Avenue in the village of Millbrook.

Archive photo

MILLBROOK — Summer fun is just around the corner, thanks to the fire department and the return of the Fire Department Carnival scheduled to open on Wednesday, July 9, and continue through Saturday, July 12, on the Thorne Building grounds on Franklin Avenue.

Opening night activities will begin at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9. The Carnival will open each night at 7 p.m., remaining open until 11 p.m.

Keep ReadingShow less