by Doug La Rocque
On Memorial Day morning, May 30, the Village of Hoosick Falls once again paid tribute to all of those who died defending our country with the annual parade sponsored by Hoosick Post 40 of the American Legion.
The day started out as all in the past have, with memorial services at Wood Park, the Shop Bridge to honor those in the Navy who lost their lives at sea, the Civil War monument and finally the placing of wreaths at the Veterans Memorial, to honor those from WWI, WWII, the Korean and Vietnam wars.
The parade stepped off a 10 am led by the Village Police Department, The American Legion Color Guard and the parade’s Grand Marshal, Patrick Kelly. The rest of the parade featured the Hoosick Falls High School Marching Band, as well as the Taconic Pipe Band, fire apparatus, an antique vehicle and entries from many other organizations.
The first national observance of Memorial Day occurred on May 30, 1868 then known as Decoration Day. The day was proclaimed by Commander in Chief John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic for the purpose of honoring Union soldiers who died in the Civil War. Official recognition of the holiday in New York State began in 1873. By 1890, every Union state had adopted it. The World Wars turned it into a day of remembrance for all members of the U.S. military who died in service. In 1971, Congress standardized the holiday as “Memorial Day” and changed its observance to the last Monday in May.
Veterans Day in November is meant to honor all of those who served in the United States Armed Forces.
