The grey cloud cover added to the significance of Memorial Day, a day in which we remember those who served our nation and have since departed with the hope the freedoms held forth in our Declaration of Independence and Constitution would continue.
WESTPORT
In Westport, over 100 gathered at the town’s Memorial Park for a ceremony, which included Felix Haskins playing “America the Beautiful” on his cello with the picturesque scene of Lake Champlain below. Ashley Rodriguez then sang the “The Star-Spangled Banner” with many lifting their voices to join her.
Rev. Barbara Jackson, of the Westport Federated Church, delivered the invocation who, in her remarks, reminded those in attendance “to remember and be grateful and think of those who heeded the call.”
“Remember that ordinary people in an ordinary town served our nation,” retired Lt. Col. Andrew Beal said.
“Courage is almost always quieter. Memorial Day is not about glorifying wars, it is about honoring duty and sacrifice.”
He then spoke of Maj. John Quinn during World War II when his plane went down and how he survived, and Sgt. Rick Atwell who during the Vietnam conflict was a point man to protect his men who followed him into battle.
A serendipitous moment occurred at the conclusion of Beal’s talk.
“From where the sun rises, we in Westport will remember.”
At that moment, a ray of sunlight made its way through the clouds.
KEENE
With the Adirondack Mountains reaching above the clouds, Amy and Pete Nelson opened the ceremony with the singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
This was followed by words from Marcy 1312 American Legion Commander Tom Both.
“This sanctuary is set aside to honor our fellow brethren who, for two centuries, have left this peaceful valley and their families to fight for the cause of freedom, liberty and justice,” Both said in part.
“Many of those who are honored here did not return, and many more suffered and endured the hardships and trauma associated with war. All gave a portion of their lives with hopes that the conflict that they participated in might be the last.”
A moment of prayer was presided over by C.J. Dates, interim minister of the Keene Valley Community Church.
“There is no greater love than for those who lay down their lives for those they love in the days of confusion,” Dates said.
Keene Town Supervisor Joe Pete Wilson thanked those who performed the ceremony and those who came.
A traditional American Legion ceremony was officiated by Marcy 1312 Chaplain Robert Lewis and Commander Emeritus Larry House.
A rifle salute was followed by the Borealis Singers performing “Ise Oluwa” — what God has created will never be destroyed.
ELIZABETHTOWN
Newman Tryon, of American Legion Post 551, officiated at the ceremony at the town park.
Rev. David Sullivan, a U.S. Coast Guard Veteran gave the invocation.
“We come before the creator of mankind to remember those who bravely served our great country and, as a result of their service, made the ultimate sacrifice with their lives,” Sullivan said.
“We ask for your blessing upon the souls of those good men and women who gave their last breath in defense of our nation, our freedom and our children’s future.”
Ashley White lent her voice to the singing of the national anthem.
A reading of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Memorial Day proclamation was followed by Elizabethtown Town Supervisor Cathleen Reusser informing the gathering of future plans for the town’s park coupled with the veteran’s memorial.