Town of Montgomery celebrates Veterans Day

By Connor Linskey
Posted 11/13/19

There was a massive turnout for the Town of Montgomery Veterans Day parade on Monday at town hall. So many people came, that some were forced to park on the road or across the street. All came to …

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Town of Montgomery celebrates Veterans Day

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There was a massive turnout for the Town of Montgomery Veterans Day parade on Monday at town hall. So many people came, that some were forced to park on the road or across the street. All came to show support for their veterans.

Monday’s ceremony began with a parade. Those marching included the Maybrook Veterans of Foreign Wars, Montgomery American Legion Post 521, Valley Central High School JROTC, Montgomery Boy Scout Troop 31 and the Maybrook Boy Scout Troop 236. Throughout the march, music was played on drums and glockenspiels. Countless flags were carried to honor our country. They marched from the police headquarters to the veterans’ monument and flagpoles in front of town hall.

Following the procession, Mike Anagnostakis, Orange County Legislator, 17th District, gave some remarks. He noted that he owes his life to veterans. During World War II, his mother was an orphan and his father was a slave laborer to the Nazis in Greece. Anagnostakis would not be here today, if veterans had not saved his parents, which allowed them to eventually meet up and get married.

“I think we should be celebrating and honoring veterans every single day of the year,” he said.

As a salute to the Veterans of the American armed forces, a musical medley was performed by the Maybrook Boy Scout Troop 236. The sounds of their drums and glockenspiels could be heard once again. In homage to veterans, a moment of silence was held to thank and honor the 24 million living American veterans. Afterwards, a wreath was placed in front of the Town of Montgomery veterans’ monument. The Maybrook VFW Post 2064 joined the salute by firing off their rifles. The military ballad “Taps” gave way to the closing prayer.

“No matter where or when any veteran served, the main point is they took their oath and served honorably,” said Tim Dempsey, a veteran who was on active duty during the Vietnam Era.

The people in attendance were overjoyed to honor those who risked their lives for our country. There was a tremendous mutual respect among all of the veterans in attendance, regardless of what war they fought..