Honoring and remembering sacrifices: Cornwall

CORNWALL — Under sunny skies, the community turned out for its parade and traditional observance of Memorial Day,  gathered to recognize the sacrifices of the men and women who were lost in service to our nation.

The ceremony on the town Green also recognized the valor and service provided by local emergency volunteers throughout the two pandemic years when ceremonies could not be held.

First Selectman Gordon Ridgway said, “We appreciate our veterans; this is their day.” He noted, also that this year marks the 90th anniversary of the Cornwall Volunteer Fire Department.

The address was delivered by 10-time Emmy winning CBS News correspondent Richard Schlesinger.

“How great it is to be together again,” Schlesinger said. Speaking of servicepeople being honored on Memorial Day, Schlesinger said, “These were people who did what they were ordered to do in horrendous conditions.”

Honoring local volunteers in service to their community, Schlesinger said, “They would come for you, too, when they hear the call.”

“To a growing degree, we look after each other out of a sense of duty and generosity,” he added.

Named VFW Citizen of the Year was Patty Rovezzi, administrative assistant at Cornwall Consolidated School, citing her unwavering dedication to her students.

In her closing prayer, the Rev. Micki Nunn-Miller, who serves as chaplain to the fire department and as pastor of the UCC Congregational Church, said, “It is up to us to seek peace and justice for all and we call upon our leaders to do the same.”

— Leila Hawken