Memorial Day

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. It was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. In 1873, New York became the first state to officially recognize the holiday. Parades and services are schedule in the following communities: Monroe, Sunday, May 29 This year's Memorial Day parade in Monroe will be held Sunday, May 29, beginning at 1:30 p.m., from Smith Clove Park on Spring Street and ending at the Monroe Cemetery on Route 17M opposite Rallye Auto Plaza. The parade route goes onto Spring Street from the park and makes a left onto Mapes Place. There will be a color guard presentation at the Monroe Ambulance Building and then the parade will continue Carpenter Place to Lake Street through the heart of the Village. Marchers will then make a left onto Route 17M and proceed to Veterans Memorial Park (corner of Oakland and 17M), where there be a second presentation. The parade will then proceed to the Monroe Cemetery. The Monroe Police Department will be intermittently closing roads along the parade route. Police Sgt. Andy Meislahn said streets will be opened as soon it is safe and possible after the parade passes, but that residents should expect delays or plan to take alternate routes. Woodbury, Sunday, May 29 The 2005 Town of Woodbury Memorial Day Parade will be held Sunday, May 29. The parade will form on Bond Street in Central Valley at 1 p.m. and proceed north on Route 32 at 1:30 p.m. The marchers will pause for wreath laying ceremonies at the monument at Summit Avenue in Central Valley and Victory Park in Highland Mills. The parade will end at the Cemetery of the Highlands at Route 32 and Ridge Road, with memorial ceremonies to be held at the Veteran's Monument of the Highlands and the Fireman's Monument of the Highlands at 3 p.m. The parade route will be closed to traffic from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The Honorary Grand Marshal is Judy Roulett, the wife of deceased veteran Donald Roulett, U.S. Army Air Corps. He was a survivor of the infamous Battaan Death March that occurred during World War II. The key note speaker will be state William J. Larkin Jr., the state senator from Cornwall-on-Hudson and a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel. The parade will feature marching bands, color guards, Woodbury Fire Departments, American Legion Post 779 and other local organizations. Refreshments will be served by the Woodbury Community Association. Harriman, Monday, May 30 The Village of Harriman Memorial Day ceremonies will be held Monday, May 30, beginning at 10 a.m. with an outdoor worship service conducted by Father Reynolds at St. Anastasia Roman Catholic Church on Route 17M in Harriman. Following the service, a legion honor guard will place a wreath on the grave of Lawrence E. Mulligan, who was killed in action in World War II. Honor guards of participating veterans organizations and Harriman Engine Company #1 will then proceed to the Veterans' Memorial in the Harriman Village Square for ceremonies at approximately 11 a.m. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the veterans will proceed to the VFW memorial on River Road for a memorial service. Tuxedo, Monday, May 30 Memorial Day services in Tuxedo begin at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 30, at the Police Station, Southfields, for a presentation of wreaths at the War Memorial. The parade kicks off at 1l:30 a.m. at the school grounds, followed by a presentation of wreaths at the War Memorial on Route 17, followed by an invocation at St. Mary's in Tuxedo Park. The ceremonies and presentation of awards in the churchyard includes Taps and a gun salute.