MILLBROOK — The Millbrook Memorial Day Parade started out at the Millbrook VFW Post #9008 at Franklin Avenue at 11 a.m. and ended up at the Tribute Garden Park. Many turned out to show their appreciation for those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice for this country.
One of the first trucks headed out bestowed with American flags flying on it for yet another memorable patriotic event. The parade was actually led by a riderless horse, mostly seen in presidential funerals and at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. The riderless horse was led by Navy veteran Marc Boissey.
The parade finished at the Tribute Garden Park, where a program was led by Town of Washington town Supervisor Gary Ciferri, himself a Vietnam veteran.
The ceremony’s keynote speaker was Tommy Zurhellen, a Navy veteran who walked across the United States by himself in 2019. Zurhellen is also an author and on the faculty at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie.
The author signed copies of his book, “The Low Road: Walking for the Veterans,” which benefits the Vet Zero Project. The Vet Zero Project helps local veterans find housing through Hudson River Housing in Poughkeespie.
— Judith O’Hara Balfe
Veteran Sue DeMeo, center, laid a wreath down during the Memorial Day ceremony at the Tribute Garden on Monday, May 30. Photo by Judith O'Hara Balfe
From left, David Sager stood with Millbrook Memorial Day ceremony keynote speaker, Vietnam War veteran and author Tommy Zurhellen. Sager held up Zurhellen’s recent book, which he had just purchased and had the author sign, saying he had great respect for the man who walked across America on his own in 2019. Photo by Judith O'Hara Balfe
Amenia voters fill out their ballots at Church of Immaculate Conception. Voters weighed in on a variety of high-profile positions, including governor and attorney general.Photo by Graham Corrigan
Eric Alexander, back right, watches voting results for his County Legislator race alongside his staff and fellow Dutchess Democrats. Alexander retained his seat, defeating challenger Stefanie Hubert by 440 votes. Photo by Graham Corrigan
Amenia's polling location is Church of Immaculate Conception on Lavalle Road.Photo by Graham Corrigan
Dave Jones, owner and chief mechanic at Lakeville Auto. Laurie Fendrich
The board’s job was to find savings — it found a school to close instead