RockVets Newsletter - Memorial Day Supplement

Editorial by Jerry Donnellan - May 2015

When I was a little kid in Nyack I couldn't wait for the Memorial Day Parade. I had a new bike -- a two-wheeler, and I was going to weave red, white, and blue crepe paper in the spokes and ride at the end of the Memorial parade like the big kids did. By big kids then I meant 11 and 12 year olds. I was all set to go when a cranky old veteran told me that Memorial Day was not about having fun. The world has turned a couple of times since then and now that I'm the cranky old veteran I understand - and I chafe when people wish me a "Happy Memorial Day," but, being now a man of peace, I just smile and nod.

Since World War II we have steadily drifted away from the meaning of Memorial Day. In 1971 it became the Monday holiday changed from the original 30th of May. This made it open season on shopping and sales and truly commercialized the day. In 1973 the Draft ended, so fewer families understood military service and its cost.

In 1987, the Rockland County Vietnam Vets came together and started the Watchfires. We decided they should be on the traditional Memorial Day and not require a band, fireworks, or an audience other than those who understood. Somebody actually told me they were inconvenienced. It seems to have become a second Fourth of July.

On Memorial Day I saw an ad taken out by one of our local politicians thanking the troops and veterans. Of course that was the small print. The bigger part of the ad was a picture of himself. That's all well and good, but it ain't about troops or veterans.

It's about those who are no longer troops and didn't live long enough to be veterans. But I guess they can't vote - except maybe in Chicago. That's not to say that the day has to be spent hanging crepe, or acting as if you're at a wake or sitting shiva. But somewhere in the course of the day take the time to remember - and tell the kids.

I've been to war and the short of that is, it's hard to know the true cost. Trying to explain this is also hard. Although it doesn't happen often, you know how you feel when you're at the Mall and someone stops and lets you take a parking space that they could have taken? You think what a nice person -- you even tell your friends and family -- maybe even for a day or two. Well, the people we honor on Memorial Day gave up more than their parking space. Remember them. Jerry Donnellan

This is an updated list of Memorial Day events as we have them. Please check your towns and villages for local Memorial Day ceremonies near you.

Sunday, May 21st, 2023: Change in date and time due to predicted inclement weather for Saturday: Leo Laders Legion Post #130 will be having their annual flag placement for Memorial Day on Sunday, May 21st, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Mt. Repose and St. Peter's Cemeteries. Meet at the front entrance to Mt. Repose Cemetery.

Friday, May 26th, 2023: 9:30 a.m. Rockland County Memorial Day Services at Haverstraw Bay Park near the Gulf War Memorial, 21 Gagan Road, Haverstraw, New York 10927. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.

Friday, May 26th, 2023: From 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Clarkstown Memorial Ceremony at Street Community Center, 31 Zukor Road, New City (North Mail Street), New York.
Memorial Day Event. Ceremony: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Refreshments: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Come and honor our veterans.

Friday, May 26th - Monday, May 29th, 2023:  In recognition of our men and women in uniform, the Intrepid Museum celebrates Fleet Week from May 26-29, 2023! Fleet Week activities will kick off Friday, May 26, with our annual movie night on the flight deck, featuring the classic 1986 film Top Gun. Throughout the weekend, enjoy musical performances and explore a variety of displays, activities and demos from the military, including the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, and even some antique military vehicles. The weekend will conclude on Monday, May 29, with the Museum’s annual Memorial Day ceremony. All activities on the pier are free, tickets to the Museum are required to enter the Museum.
View link for further information:
https://www.intrepidmuseum.org/fleetweek?mc_cid=b73b490e49&mc_eid=bc7d503131

Saturday, May 27th, 2023:  VMA of Congers Memorial Day Parade is on Saturday, May 27th, 2023. Muster at 11:00 a.m. Grand Marshal will be President of Ramapo College, Cindy Jebb,
Brigadier General (Ret.)

Sunday, May 28th, 2023: Muster 8:30 a.m. Montebello Memorial, 1 Montebello Road, Montebello, New York.

Sunday, May 28th, 2023: Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #333 will hold their annual Memorial Day services at 10:00 a.m. at the VVA Memorial, Veterans Memorial Park, Hunt Road off Orangeburg Road, Orangeburg, New York 10962.

Sunday, May 28th, 2023: Raymond W. DeMeola VFW Memorial Post 1615 / Veterans Walkway of Hero's Memorial Day Observance at 10:00 a.m. / Independence Avenue and Lester Drive, Tappan, New York 10983

Sunday May 28th, 2023: 10:00 a.m. Airmont Town Hall Memorial, 251 Cherry Lane, Airmont, New York 10901.

Sunday May 28th, 2023: Muster 11:30 a.m. Memorial Day Services at noon. Frederick Loescher Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 220 Brick Church Road, New Hempstead, New York 10977.

Sunday, May 28th, 2023: Following Services at Loescher Veterans Cemetery -- Memorial Day services will take place at Onderdonk Cemetery at SUNY Rockland, 145 College Road, Suffern, New York 10901.

Monday, May 29th, 2023: Memorial Day Observances -- John M. Perry Post 1044 of the American Legion, Sparkill, New York -- Ceremony to be held at 9:00 a.m. at the War Monument in Triangle Square, intersection of Closter Road and Route 9W.

Monday, May 29th, 2023: Memorial Day Observances -- John M. Perry Post 1044 of the American Legion, Sparkill New York -- 11:30 a.m. Parade and Ceremony in Sparkill - parade to start at the Sparkill Firehouse and finish at Depot Square Town Park for the Memorial Day Ceremony, approximately 11:50 a.m. Free hot dog luncheon at the Post (691 NY-340, Sparkill NY) after the ceremony.

Monday, May 29th, 2023:  The Town of Stony Point will be having a Memorial Day parade on Monday, May 29th, 2023. First there will be a ceremony at Mt. Hope Cemetery on Main Street. A bus will be available at 8:00 a.m. to take participants from Town Hall to the cemetery, and then to the parade start site. Parade will begin at Ten Eyck and Jay Streets at 9:30 a.m., with a stop at the World War I Memorial for a brief ceremony, and then proceed to the Town Hall. Guest Speaker will be Al Dagistino, Past President of Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #333. The public is invited.

Monday, May 29th, 2023: American Legion Post 1682 will hold their Memorial Day Parade in New City. Muster 9:30 a.m. in New City Parade Muster on Collyer Avenue -- Adjacent to Higgins Funeral Home, 321 S. Main St. New City, New York.

Monday, May 29th, 2023:  Fred Hecht Post 425 will have their Memorial Day services at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 29th, 2023.

Monday, May 29th, 2023:  The Nanuet, Naurashank American Legion Post #794 will have their Memorial Day ceremony on Monday May 29th at noon. The location is the Ernest F. Giraudin Veterans Park. Located across from the Nanuet Post Office which is located at 10 Prospect Street Nanuet, New York.

Monday, May 29th, 2023: Pearl River American Legion John H. Secor Post 329 to host the Annual Memorial Day Parade – Contingents line up at 9:45 a.m. Parade starts at 10:15 a.m. from Key Bank, heading south to Braunsdorf Park by the Police Booth for the Memorial Day Service at 11:00 a.m.

Monday, May 29th, 2023: Carl A. Schelin Post 1271 American Legion, Tappan and the Volunteer Fire Association – 9:30 a.m. Fireman’s Memorial at the Tappan Firehouse; 11 a.m. Parade starts at the German Masonic Park with a Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Tappan Triangle.

Monday, May 29th, 2023: Piermont Engine Hose Co #1 - 10 a.m. Parade starts in front of VFW Post 7452 of Piermont to Kennedy Park for a Memorial Day Ceremony.

Monday, May 29th, 2023: Muster 9:30 AM New City Parade Muster on Collyer Avenue -- Adjacent to Higgins Funeral Home, 321 S. Main St. New City, New York.

Monday, May 29th, 2023: Nyack's Memorial Day Parade kicks off at 11:00 a.m.
The Charles and Raymond O. Blauvelt / Nyack Post 310 American Legion Nyack Post 310 and VFW Post 9215 in conjunction with the Village of Nyack invite you to its annual Memorial Day Parade to remember and honor all those who served in our Armed Forces and paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving their nation. Parade kicks off at 11:00 am (Route: starts at Main St. & Franklin making a right down South Broadway; turning left on Depew Street, ending at Memorial Park for a Ceremony (lower level of park at the base of the WWI/WWII Monument.)

Monday, May 29th, 2023: Blauvelt Lions Club Memorial Day Ceremony at 12 noon in Lions Park. Muster 11:30 a.m. Lions Park Memorial Service, 540 Western Highway, Blauvelt, New York 10913.

Monday, May 29th, 2023: Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #333, Annual Watchfire Lighting Ceremony begin at 11:30 p.m. on May 29th, 2023. Watchfires will be lit at midnight at the following sites: East End of the Piermont Pier, Piermont, New York, on top of Clausland Mountain, Orangeburg, Eugene Levy Park, 920 Route 45, Pomona, New York, Bowline Point Park in Haverstraw, New York. All are welcome to attend. There will also be a flag retirement ceremony at Bowline Point Park at 7:00 p.m. on May 30th. You can bring any flags you would like to be respectfully retired.

Here are some upcoming events:

Monday, May 22nd, 2023: Mark Woods, Jr., Director of Veteran Peer Services
Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program, is on the air! Mark hosts a radio show on WRCR 1700 AM. The show: Thank You For Your Service, will air once a month on the 4th Monday of the month, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Veterans can call in and ask questions about Veterans issues. The call-in number is: 845-429-1700. Mark will discuss Veteran issues and events in and around Rockland County. Please tune in to the show -- 4th Monday of each month -- 9:30 a.m. on WRCR 1700 AM radio.

You can also hear the show live on WRCR's website: https://www.wrcr.com. For further information, get in touch with Mark Woods, Jr. Director of Veteran Peer Services, Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program, "Vet to Vet" -- Email: Mwoods@vettovetrc.org
Office phone: (845) 624-1366 ext 104 / Cell phone: (845) 521-9440
You can access previously recorded episodes/podcasts at the following link: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Z1ShsGpvO9drQJBECoRiK. For further information, get in touch with Mark Woods, Jr., Director of Veteran Peer Services, Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program, "Vet to Vet" Email: Mwoods@vettovetrc.org / (Office) (845) 624-1366 ext 104 / Cell (845) 521-9440.

Wednesday, May 24th, 2023: Vet-to-Vet Cafe -- Virtual Vet-to-Vet program at 3:00 p.m.
What do nexus letters, veteran benefits, and presumptive conditions all have in common? Together, they can significantly improve a veteran’s life. Please join us as we honor Memorial Day with a virtual Vet-to-Vet program on Wednesday, May 24th at 3 PM (ET). Pre-registration required. MJHS is honored to welcome Benjamin Pomerance, Deputy Commissioner for Program Development at the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services for this virtual coast-to-coast program. We will focus on how health care providers in the public and private sectors can overcome obstacles that prevent veterans from receiving appropriate end-of-life care. Interventions need to happen before hospice care is necessary. Here’s how:
Discussion Topics include:

Concerns raised by veterans who decline VA health care and services
Supportive services for caregivers and survivors
Commemorating Memorial Day with veterans in palliative and hospice care
Where to find vital resources available for the veterans you serve
What is a medical nexus letter, how it can help, and liability concerns

Registration:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Az1QzgEASw-CDVjFLUw40Q#/registration

Tuesday, May 30th, 2023: Next Meeting of Marine Corps League, Rockland Detachment, is May 30th, 2023 at 19:30 hours. Meetings are held at the Kearsing-Edwards American Legion Post #1600, 20 Station Road, Pomona, New York 10970.

Tuesday, May 30th, 2023: Women Veterans Recognition Event in Albany, New York.
Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter hosts her Annual Women Veterans Recognition Day on Tuesday May 30th, 2023 at the Legislative Office Building, 1st Floor Terrace "The Well," Albany, New York. The event will feature a complimentary luncheon as well as women veteran-oriented vendors such as support services. To RSVP or for further information, please call 315-449-9536.

Thursday, June 1st, 2023: VVA Chapter #333 June meeting.
Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #333, monthly meeting. Board meets at 6:30 p.m. General membership meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month at the Kearsing-Edwards American Legion, Post #1600, 20 Station Road, Pomona, New York 10970. Meeting is also available through Zoom link --
Topic: Ray Furlong's Zoom Meeting  Time: June 1st, 2023 at 07:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)   Join Zoom Meeting 
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89202249387?pwd=MWtFSGl3SjNCZWI3Q0VsMXZpY29SZz09
Meeting ID: 630 567 5618 Passcode: 980722
 One tap mobile +16465588656,,89202249387#,,,,*513221# US (New York) +13126266799,,89202249387#,,,,*513221# US (Chicago)  Dial by your location  +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)  +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)  +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)  +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)  +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)  +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) Meeting ID: 630 567 5618  Passcode: 980722  Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kAooTO4Vk

Saturday, June 3rd, 2023: VVA Chapter #333 Hosts their Annual Pig Roast -- a tradition started in 1987 our "Stand-down" after the first Watchfire was lit. The Pig Roast will be held at the Kearsing Edwards American Legion Post1600 -- 20 Station Road, Pomona, New York 10970, starting at 12:00 noon and going until 5:00 p.m. Bring the whole family and Join us for a fun-filled day with great food, beverages, and music by rock band, "Beauty and the Grease." $25.00 per person for tickets purchased before June1st, 2023 and $30.00 per person if purchased at the picnic. Children under 5 years of age attend free. Make checks payable and mail to: V V A #333, Post Office Box 243, New City, New York 10956. Tell us the number of people you have attending, note your check number and the amount enclosed. For further information, contact Ray Furlong, President of VVA Chapter #333 via email: rayfur845@aol.com

Monday, June 5th, 2023:  Join us for the next edition of Sergeant's Time. These monthly virtual presentations are open to all eras of Veterans and caregivers.
Description: "Monthly Virtual Presentations on Topics of Interest" Hosted by the Bronx Vet Center. All Combat Eras, Genders, and Caregivers Welcome!   Come to learn and ask questions! The Bronx Vet Center will host its next Sergeant’s Time online presentation on June 5th, 2023 from noon - 1:00 p.m.
To Register, please use this link: Sergeant's Time Webinar Registration
For further information, contact Marco A. Bongioanni, MSEd.
Readjustment Counseling Therapist, U.S. Army Veteran, Bronx Vet Center
Office phone (718) 367-3500.....E-mail:   marco.bongioanni@va.gov

WATCHFIRES –
KEEPING A VIGIL FOR THE LOST PATROL

On May 30, 1987, the traditional Memorial Day, members of Rockland County Chapter #333, Vietnam Veterans of America, first came together to build Watchfires along the western shores of the Hudson River.

Watchfires date back to our country’s first war. George Washington used them to signal the ceasefire ending the Revolutionary War. Reference is made in "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" to the use of them in the Civil War.

We built our fires according to the military specifications of the 1700’s: 21 foot square at the base and 21 feet high. We used the mountain-tops when we could, which were reminiscent of our fire bases in Vietnam. Each year, the fires are lit at midnight, to burn for the 24 hours of the traditional Memorial Day. We stand watch, changing shifts as we had a generation ago, symbolically keeping watch for our lost patrol that still has not returned, and the patrols of past wars, to our country’s first soldiers who fought and may still wander along these shores.

Watchfire Ceremonies will begin at 11:30 p.m. on Monday, May 29th, and Watchfires will be lit at midnight and burn for 24 hours on the traditional Memorial Day, May 30th. The Watchfires will be held at these sites: East End of the Piermont Pier, top of Clausland Mountain in Orangeburg, Eugene Levy Park on Route 45 in Pomona, and Bowline Point Park in Haverstraw, New York.

Check out the VVA Chapter #333 website here: https://www.vva333.com

RockVets is an Outreach program of New York Vets, Inc., a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization established in 1992, to advocate for those who have worn the uniform of the U.S. Military, no matter where or when they served.

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