by Bea Peterson
For the past few weeks Hoosick Falls has been getting spruced up for Memorial Day. HFCS youngsters have picked up litter, new white lines are on the streets, flags are on the light poles, planters have fresh flowers in them and grounds have been cleaned up everywhere. The weather on Monday, May 31, was perfect for the parade and ceremonies honoring service men and women who gave their lives for their country.
Events began at 8 am when the POW and American flags in Wood Park were taken
down and replaced with new ones, then raised to half staff for the day. Next was the march to the Shop Bridge by the American Legion and Auxiliaries and the HFCS Band. A prayer was said, and a wreath tossed into the Hoosick River. Taps was played by Mary Luke and Nicholas Downing, and volleys were fired in memory of all those lost at sea during wartime. Returning to Wood Park, the American Legion Auxiliary placed wreaths at the memorials.
This year’s Memorial Day parade was one of the largest in some time, lasting about a half hour. There were several floats, four bands, four fire companies, several antique cars and tractors, plenty of marching groups, including Hoosac School, and horses.
Wood Park was filled with parade-goers who attended ceremonies which included music from three of the bands and words from Parade Chairman Don Bogardus, Town Supervisor Keith Cipperly, Mayor Matt Monahan, American Legion Auxiliary President Marilyn Tate, American Legion Post 40 Commander Walter Zwinge, County Legislators Stan Brownell and Lester Goodermote and the Parade Grand Marshall. Principal speaker was Eugene Vogt, USAF Sgt., retired. The Invocation was offered by Rev. Mike Benoit and the Benediction by Rev. Dr. Tom Azar, USAF, Ret.
It was a beautiful day for remembering and celebrating.
