The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Rain Fails To Dampen Memorial Day Ceremonies In Berlin

By

By Doug La Rocque

The turnout of those wishing to express their gratitude and thanks to all who have served this country, in war and times of peace, was as strong as ever this past Monday.[private]  The annual parade stepped off right on time, stopping at the memorial monument in the center of town where Commander Chris Lecce of the Taconic Valley American Legion Post # 937 told those gathered “let us renew our pledge of loyalty for our country and flag.

Taconic Valley American Legion Color Guard leads the parade down Main St. Photo by Doug La Rocque

Memorial Day is a special day in which we honor all those who died in service to our nation, who we continue to honor in our hearts.  Instead of seeing a stone monument on this special day, we see the faces of all those who over the years sacrificed their lives in defense of freedom.

Post Commander Chris Lecce addresses the gathering at the monument in the center of town. With him is Rev. Mark Norland of the Petersburgh Baptist church who gave the benediction. Photo by Doug La Rocque

We also think of their families and friends, perhaps people we know, as we mark this special day by celebrating their legacy while grieving their absence in our lives.”

Commander Lecce also remembered President John F. Kennedy, himself a World War II hero, who once said “a nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces, but also by the men it honors, and the men it remembers.”

Prior to the parade on Memorial Day morning, members of Taconic Valley American Legion Post 937 performed 21 gun salute over the graves of American servicemen at the Pleasant Valley – Meadowlawn Cementery on Hewitt Road in Petersburgh. The Legion alternates their pre-parade ceremonies each year between Petersburgh and the cemetery in Center Berlin. Photo courtesy of Chris Lecce

A small floral wreath is placed in front of the monument each year in honor of Berlin veterans of all wars.  The parade then continued on to the Seventh Day Baptist Church Cemetery for a gun salute and taps before disbanding.  The Legion also adorns the graves of veterans in both the town’s cemetery’s with American Flags each year.

Besides the legion, members of the Patriot Guard, the 4-H, the Berlin School Band, as well as the Berlin, Petersburgh and Hancock, Massachusetts Fire Departments took part in the parade. [/private]