Memorial Day respects paid at Fountain Square

AMENIA — An energetic crowd gathered at Fountain Square in Amenia on Monday morning, May 27, to commemorate the Memorial Day holiday. The ceremony was at 11 a.m.; moments earlier a short parade marched into the square, while firetrucks and emergency vehicles drove past the gathering.

Town Supervisor Victoria Perotti spoke about the symbolism of the day.

“It’s so important to honor all of the people in the Armed Services who have passed away fighting for our freedoms that we have today,” she said. “This is a very emotional day for me, seeing so many local people who here who have lost family, friends and neighbors fighting for our country.”

So agreed Marguerite Hayes, whose husband is a veteran.

“It’s just a wonderful day,” she said. “It’s all about our country.”

Dover’s Gary Nilsen was also at the ceremony, holding multiple flags and wearing a big smile.

“I’m just here to celebrate Memorial Day and to pay my respects to the people who fought so we could have our freedom,” he said.

Those attending the ceremony on Monday expressed their appreciation of all veterans — living and dead — for their selfless sacrifice. 

Father Kent Wilson summed up his thoughts during the morning’s prayer.

“Never let us forget,” he said. “Though the names may fade… help us be worthy of their sacrifice.”