by Bea Peterson
Schools, churches and civic groups, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, bands, dancers, singers, politicians and soldiers all made up the Memorial Day parade in Hoosick Falls on Monday. It was a day to remember those serving our country now and those who served in the past. It was a day to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in serving.
Ceremonies began at 8 am with the flag raising in Wood Park. The Hoosick Falls Central School band accompanied members of the American Legion to the Shop Bridge where a wreath was tossed into the Hoosic River in memory of the many military lost at sea. There was a volley salute followed by taps played by Band Director Robert Allen.
Wreaths were placed at the War Memorials in Wood Park and at the Civil War Memorial in Monument Park.
The hour-long parade began shortly after 10 am and paused at the intersection of Church and Main Streets. Facing the cemeteries Pastor Michael Benoit prayed for all the armed forces, past and present. A volley salute was fired and taps played. The parade continued to Wood Park where event and parade organizer Don Bogardus welcomed the large crowd.
Many Recognized
Town Supervisor Marilyn Douglas proudly recognized U.S. Navy Lt. Col. Fabiano, one of her former students and a Naval Academy graduate who was home for the weekend. Rensselaer County Legislator Stan Brownell proudly recognized Air National Guard Reserve Sgts Stephanie and Jeremy Becker. Stephanie (Wilson) is a HFCS graduate. While she and her husband were serving in Afghanistan, Stephanie’s mom Robin Wilson of Hoosick Falls cared for their baby. The couple now live in Jeffersonville, VT, and Memorial Day was their seventh wedding anniversary. Rensselaer County Legislator Lester Goodermote recognized parade Grand Marshal Walter Davendonis with a proclamation from the County. Bogardus recognized American Legion Commander Walter Zwinge. Zwinge’s son Mark was in the Honor Guard, along with his grandson Matthew. Matthew is in the Army and has just returned from a year in Afghanistan.
Mayor Matt Monahan spoke of the sacrifice made by so many for freedom’s sake. Invocation and Benediction were said by Pastor Benoit. Walt Davendonis’ granddaughter spoke for her grandfather, highlighting his
military service. The Taconic Pipe Band played “Amazing Grace.” The Town of Hoosick Band paid tribute to Anielo Pepe, founder of the Fiesta Band who passed away last month. Pepe formed the Fiesta Band in 1972 and retired it in 2008. Several members of the Town Band were members of the Fiesta Band. On Monday they wore their band hats and red cummerbunds in memory of Pepe. The Fiesta Band played in 15 to 25 parades a year and marched many times in Hoosick Falls.
Keynote speaker for the day was Rensselaer County District Attorney Rich McNally. “Memorial Day,” he said, “has been an important part of my life since as long as I can remember.” His father was an officer during the Korean Conflict. He and his father are named after Rich’s great uncle who died in France during World War I. His grandfather was Commander of the Richard James McNally Legion Post in Upper Manhattan. McNally said he spent Memorial Day weekends as a youngster playing taps at services. “I still do on occasion, and I value that honor,” he said.
He has a friend currently serving in Bagdad. He said he didn’t need his friend’s emails to confirm “that there are sons and daughters from this community and many others in harm’s way and our thoughts and prayers are with them, their comrades and their families, for a safe return… “We are here to pay tribute to all who died so that we can live free… we are here to honor the men and women who are dying today in the sand, dust and the bitter cold and relentless heat of Afghanistan and Iraq. We are here because we are a great nation that values freedom above all…”
The program concluded with a volley salute, taps and the combined Hoosick Community Band and HFCS band playing “America the Beautiful” and the National Anthem.
