A Tangible Way To Embrace Memorial Day
To the Editor,
Memorial Day is a day set aside for remembering those who bravely laid down their lives while in service to our country. [private]It is sad to say that the Town of Hoosick lost over 100 men while in service, but thankfully, none since the Cold War.
Memorial Day typically means parades and picnics, family time, and the official beginning of summer; but this year we would like to encourage community members, families, organizations, churches, etc… to help us more fully embrace the meaning of the day in a tangible way that will help keep the memory of these fallen heroes alive for many years to come.
Liberty Memorial Park is being constructed in a highly visible area of Maple Grove Cemetery where crosses in honor of each of these men will serve as permanent reminders as people drive or walk by, or as they sit on the benches and reflect on the sacrifices they have made for our freedom.
This Memorial Day, would you be willing to purchase a cross in honor of one of these men, perhaps in memory of a loved one? Each cross is $200 and includes the serviceman’s name, the war he served in, and where and when he died. Each adoptee will receive a certificate of adoption, along with a copy of whatever information we have been able to locate on their serviceman.
To-date, 34 crosses have been purchased. Thank you! But there are still almost 70 to go. Our hope and prayer is that all men will be adopted by August 12 so their cross will stand with the others when Liberty Memorial Park is dedicated in their honor and in memory of beloved community member Herb Oscar Anderson. Those who are yet to be adopted will be represented by a flag that will include the same information that is on the crosses. Each flag will be replaced by his cross when a serviceman is adopted.
There is information on how to adopt or make a donation towards adoption at the Historical Society as well as in the kiosk at the front of Maple Grove Cemetery, along with a list of those who are still available for adoption. Forms and checks should be sent to Voice of a Vet, P.O. Box 558, Hoosick Falls, NY 12090.
For more information, contact Tom McMartin (686-5075), Gail Smith (686-9888), or Joyce Brewer (258-5772).
Thank you for helping us give these men the honor they’re due!
Gail M. Smith
Voice of a Vet, Hoosick Falls [/private]