Amenia gathers for Memorial Day

AMENIA — A new tradition began this year, as the town of Amenia invited residents from around the region to enjoy a Memorial Day parade a half-hour before the Fountain Square ceremony, which is held each year in honor of those veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country.Councilwoman Vicki Doyle said the parade added a lot to the morning of Monday, May 30, when much of the town turned out for the Memorial Day events.“The parade is a nice new twist and a good tradition to focus on with the veterans as they march up the street with the fire company,” she said. “Everything looks so good and everyone worked so hard. It’s great to have a long-standing tradition continue, yet have a new twist symbolic of the town moving forward and growing.”The added recognition did not go unnoticed by those who attended the service, like veteran Howard Brusie Jr., a Millerton resident who was at the Amenia ceremony to watch his grandson march with the Cub Scouts.“I’m here because of the parade,” Brusie said, adding that his presence was as an “average individual” to honor fallen heroes. “There are no live heroes. To me, the word ‘hero’ is reserved for someone who has given it all.”Brusie added that Memorial Day is important to keep in the consciousness of today’s society, especially in such volatile times.“The day, to me, is to honor the fallen of all the wars and to keep in mind all of the active duty people who are keeping us free today,” he said.Town Supervisor Wayne Euvrard agreed, and reminded those present on Monday to never forget this nation’s, or the town of Amenia’s, fallen war veterans.“We cannot repay those who made the ultimate sacrifice, but we can remember them,” he said. “Today, on this most sacred day, we pause to reflect what has been given to us. Let us never forget.”VFW Post 5444 Cmdr. Rick Butler has conducted the ceremony at Fountain Square for many years; he did so again on Monday. He noted the turnout has remained strong over time, and that consistency means a lot to area veterans.“It means the community is honoring our fallen dead,” Butler said. “It’s nice to see young kids and families doing this today. It’s nice to see the nation come together as one.”