Early morning thunderstorms failed to drive away Peekskill residents Monday as the city celebrated Memorial Day with a patriotic display once the clouds lifted. The morning ceremony at Monument Park on North Division Street brought together elected officials, veterans groups and residents alike to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Area veterans group leader John Donahue reminded those in attendance that despite the barbeques and weekend trips to the beach, Memorial Day will always be about remembrance.
Were assembled here today to pay homage to all the men and women who died in service to our nation, here at home and throughout so many distant lands, Donahue said. Its fitting that on this day each year we join together not as members of any political party or affiliated group, but as grateful and united Americans.
After a stirring performance of the national anthem by Peekskill Polices own Celia Grabowiecki and the Peekskill High School Band, the names of all the citys fallen soldiers from conflicts as far back as the Civil War were read aloud. A wreath from each war was placed by the war monument by various chosen representatives.
Navy Veteran Kenneth MacDonald of Buchanan, who passed away in March, was also remembered when the flag used at his funeral was folded by two U.S. Navy nurses. The days events also included a performance by Peekskill musician Tim Murphy, who performed two songs he wrote, The Firemans Creed and The Purple Heart.
US Marine Brendan Fitzgerald of American Legion Post 274 urged residents to support the Current Comfort for Wounded Warriors program, which provides for wounded veterans being treated abroad. The program provides a representative of the American Legion to meet with wounded warriors in hospitals in countries outside the United States, Fitzgerald said. They provide them with basic creature comforts that the government does not such as video games and cards.
Fitzgerald urged residents to take part in the Peekskill 5K Walk/Run for Heroes on June 11 hosted by the Peekskill American Legion.
William Naravio, a U.S. Marine Veteran and Purple Heart Recipient, urged residents to continue to press the federal government to support veterans health programs, most notably the VA Hospital in nearby Montrose which is ranked number one in the nation in Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.
The federal government is considering leasing some of the facility to a private developer to build luxury condominiums.
If you want to honor my Purple Heart and the Purple Hearts worn by our mortally wounded then show me and every veteran respect by keeping that facility alive," Navario said.
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