Memorial Day in Pine Plains

PINE PLAINS — Residents gathered to honor the town’s veterans, past and present, during Monday’s Memorial Day services. The day began with the annual parade, starting at 10:30 a.m. from the firehouse, making its way to the clocktower on Main Street, where the main ceremony was held.

At the clock, town officials, including town Supervisor Gregg Pulver, spoke about the importance of Memorial Day. He shared his views with this paper a few days earlier while preparing his remarks.

“It’s a big part of the town and one of the proudest days of the year when I stand up there and see the crowd, rain or shine, and the outpouring of patriotism we have,� Pulver said. “It’s an amazing day. We are so fortunate … to be able to honor the lives of those who served this country.�

From the clocktower the procession made its way to the Evergreen Cemetery, for the salute to the dead, and then the march continued back to the Legion Hall for a brief ceremony before the parade was released. Pulver said he believes the town’s parade and ceremony is among the oldest in the county, dating back to at least the 1930s. He also said it’s a joint effort by the Highway Department, the Garden Club, the Business Association, the VFW and American Legion and other volunteers that makes the day a success.

“I think it means a lot to everybody,� he said. “And to the veterans, especially.�