Many attend Memorial Day services

PINE PLAINS — Early morning rain transformed to humid sunshine just in time for the 10:30 parade and ceremonies on Memorial Day, May 30. Crowds lined the streets in the middle of town three-deep in many places. People of all ages, young and old and even their pets, gathered to honor those who served their country and to see those marching this year. While each year is the same in many ways, there are also differences, with some long-familiar faces missing and some new additions to welcome to the crowd and parade. A welcome breeze kept the warm weather from being too oppressive for the marchers, who included those who served in many branches of the military, and ranging in time of service from World War II, Korea and Vietnam up through the current conflicts combating terrorism. There were also Boy Scouts, Junior Girl Scouts, Daisy Scouts, children and parents from the day care, the Pine Plains Hose Company, the Pine Plains High School Band, the FFA and more. Laurann Beliveau, the proprietor of Main St. Cafe, ran a welcome refreshment stand outside her shop. She served cool drinks and bomb pops with help from an enthusiastic young lady who used a tiny bullhorn to encourage those in the crowd to partake in the fare.Town Supervisor Gregg Pulver said Memorial Day is the best day of the year in Pine Plains, when many people return home to commemorate the day with their families and friends. He thanked all in the crowd for coming downtown to take part in the ceremonies. “It’s time to put the memorial back into Memorial Day,” he said. “Only 28 percent of people in the United States know the true meaning of Memorial Day: to honor those who have served, those still serving, and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.”Veterans handed out small flags to children in the crowd, much to their delight.The Pine Plains High School Band played a rousing military medley, including the “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Master of Ceremonies George Keeler said the band had already played in two ceremonies that morning, and commended them on their hard work and abilities. After the parade and ceremony at the Clocktower, all gathered for solemn memorial services in the town cemetery.