Sunny skies shine on Millerton Memorial Day festivities

MILLERTON — The sun came out in full force for Millerton’s annual Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 26 — a welcome change from the recent stretch of cold and rainy weather.

Sidewalks were filled with friends, families and furry companions as the community came together to honor fallen service members.

The Webutuck School Band plays patriotic tunes as they lead Webutuck Little League, elected officials, and fire and emergency vehicles through the Village toward Irondale Cemeter. Photo by Aly Morrissey

American Legion Post 178, the Webutuck School Band, Webutuck Little League and local fire and emergency vehicles marched down the flag-lined Main Street to cheers and applause.

The procession began at the Fire House on Century Boulevard, paused at Webutuck Creek Bridge to honor Navy and Merchant Marine veterans then continued across Route 22 to Irondale Cemetery for a prayer and moment of silence.

A woman pauses to pay respect at the grave of a United States veteran Photo by Aly Morrissey

Back at Veterans Park, ceremonies resumed as the American Legion’s New York Army National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Jenks introduced Dr. Julian Strauss, who offered a prayer honoring fallen soldiers, active service members, and their families.

Following the presentation of colors and the National Anthem by the Webutuck School Band, Jenks addressed the crowd.

He began with a quote by President Ronald Reagan: “Memorial Day is a day of ceremonies and speeches. Throughout America today, we honor the dead of our wars. We recall their valor and their sacrifices. We remember they gave their lives so that others might live.”

U.S. Army veteran Justin Dishart, currently a signal officer with the New York Army National Guard, delivers keynote remarks in Veteran’s Park during the Millerton Memorial Day Parad. Photo by Aly Morrissey

Jenks noted Memorial Day honors more than one million men and women who have died defending the United States, from the Revolutionary War to the Global War on Terror.

“As Legionaries, we are pledged through the preamble of our constitution to preserve the memories and incidents of our associations of the great wars,” he said. “Yet, we do not remember our fallen brothers and sisters in arms because of an edict of ritual; we do so because we want to.”

A Battlefield Cross assembled in Veteran’s park to honor fallen soldiers.Photo by Aly Morrissey

Jenks then welcomed Millerton Mayor Jennifer Najdek, who read the 2025 Memorial Day Proclamation: “Memorial Day has been set aside to honor the memory of those military personnel who gave their lives for — and in the defense of — our country.”

U.S. Army Veteran Justin Dishart, currently a signal officer with the New York Army National Guard, of Clifton Park, New York, served as keynote speaker. Enlisting in 2009, Dishart has deployed multiple times to Iraq, Kuwait, Jordan and Syria, and now serves as the G-6 at Joint Forces Headquarters–New York.

“We are very fortunate to be here today, and of course Memorial Day is here every year … and it is our duty to be here rain or shine,” he said.

Dishart framed his remarks around the idea of happiness, pointing out that people often confuse Veterans Day — a celebration of those who have served — with Memorial Day, a more solemn occasion honoring those who died in service. Instead of criticizing the misunderstanding, he encouraged the crowd to find meaning — and even joy — in remembrance. “In our Declaration of Independence, it says ‘life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,’” he said, noting that while life and liberty are guaranteed, happiness is not. “You have to pursue it.”

Members of Webutuck Little League marched in the Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 26, 2025.Photo by Aly Morrissey

Dishart shared emotional stories from his service, expressing gratitude for those he knew, those he never met, and those he lost.
“Beneath all of that… all of us did it from a sense of duty that each of us feel as Americans deep in our hearts,” he said. “Each of us joined for the flag we bear on our shoulders.”

After the keynote, a bell was rung in remembrance of each Millerton veteran who died in service during the Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Global War on Terror.

Dr. Strauss closed the ceremony with a benediction, and Sgt. Maj. Jenks acknowledged those who helped organize the day, including past commanders, the Sons of The American Legion, Ladies Auxiliary, NorthEast Fire District and Millerton Fire Company, Chief Olenik and the Millerton Police Department, New York State Police, Webutuck School Band, and Townscape for designing and planting the patriotic memorial.