PUTNAM COUNTY- From the shores of the Hudson River in Cold Spring to the foothills of the Appalachian Trail in Patterson, residents of Putnam County paused Monday to reflect on those who made the supreme sacrifice allowing the United States to become the beacon of the free world.
The weather forecaster even cooperated as Mother Nature’s rains ceased and skies partially cleared as ceremonies got underway featuring speeches, the playing of taps and plenty of flag waving.
Putnam County Legislator Toni Addonizio recited her original poem drafted for Memorial Day:
“They gave their all when they answered the call.
They marched with hearts brave and true and gave their all for the red white and blue.
Through air, sea, and land they stood as one
No fear could make their spirit fall;
They gave their all when they answered the call
Boots on the ground
Jets In the Sky
Brave hearts that fly;
Ships that surround protecting our ground;
Let the bugle softly play and may we never look away
They gave their all when they answered the call and their legacy still stands tall.”
Vietnam veteran and Silver Star recipient Karl Rohde, Director of the Putnam County Veterans Services agency, who previously served as New York State VFW Commander, told gatherings in Lake Carmel and Carmel: “Veterans Day and Memorial Day ceremonies are run by veterans and not for veterans. We must educate our youth about why veterans are veterans in order to teach them our legacy. We also must celebrate and give thanks to those brave men and women who made it possible allowing the United States to have become the beacon of hope.”
And Rohde reminded those in attendance: “We can never forget.”
Rohde also discussed why America remains as the beacon of freedom: “Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine.”
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