Washingtonville Memorial Day Parade Welcomed by Hundreds Along Veterans Way to Firefighters Memorial Park

Memorial Day Parade Grand Marshall, Al Boltz

The Parade Coming Up Veterans Way

Washingtonville’s Memorial Parade, began 9:30am, and continued all the way from the High School, for about a mile and a half along West and East Main Street, then up Arrow Point Lane to Veterans Way, and continued on Ahern Boulevard to their beloved American Flag-lined Firefighters Memorial Park. With one of the highest ratios of first responders and service members in the region, this holiday is one of the most important for this very civic-minded community. 

Blooming Grove Councilwoman Johanna Kiernan (Ward 3), Town Supervisor Rob Jeroloman, Washingtonville Mayor , Tom DeVinko (left to right)

The flags lined all along Ahern Blvd had just enough of a light breeze to softly welcome  hundreds of participants as they made the turn from Arrow Point onto Veterans Way, while one of the children waiting roadside in her wheelchair yelled joyfully, ”I hear the music, they’re coming!!!!”  And boy did they.

First came the Police escort with the Parade’s Grand Marshall, Al Boltz, the VFW and several other service veterans who led the parade  while attendees gave a big round of applause. Next came the area fire and police services, followed by Blooming Grove Town and  Washingtonville officials (left to right) Town Councilwoman Johan Kiernan, Town Supervisor, Rob Jeroloman and Village Mayor Tom DeVinko. Other Council members, Cathy Acevedo (Deputy Supervisor), Frank Malloy and Steven Amante were also at the parade along with Washiingtonville Trustees Steve Presser (Deputy Mayor) and Donna Jacaruso.

Residents, intending on showing their love and respect for those who gave all to protect freedom and democracy came for the shared remembrance. They brought strollers and wagons for the kids, folding chairs or blankets to sit on, and a surprising number came with their family dogs as well.

The Parade groups were huge, briskly marching along like they hadn’t just been on a mile-and-a-half uphill hike. Washingtonville students and their band were two of the largest and most impressive groups. Then came the Knights of Columbus, Washingtonville High School's JROTC dressed to the nines and marching in unison, the High School Drama Club ….. the Lambs followed by Monell, Independence, Mt. Lodge and Salisbury Mills Fire Departments.

Dance Studio marches in one of the largest groups!

Washingtonville Monell Fire Department

Independence Chief John Salka

Mt. Lodge Firefighters

Salisbury Mills Firefighters

Washingtonville High School Band

Blooming Grove Highway Department

Little Lambs Preschool

This pup, dressed to perfection, seemed to know it was an impartant part of the Event.

They were generally quiet, reflective and spent about an hour caring and sharing memories of family members and friends lost on the battlefields of the world.

Firefighters Memorial Park

Bling seemed to be an important accessory this year, and of course lots of American Flags. Ladies had sparkly accessories, apparently many of them homemade.

Once arrived in Veterans Park there were light refreshments and an hour of visiting with friends and sharing stories of relatives who fought for democracy and freedom in the many battlefields of the world.

The young still had energy to burn and headed over to the Park's Playground, and showed their own bravery by climbing just about every rung on its very tall rope challenge.

Many of the participants remained at the Park with old friends and new ones, and enjoying the beautiful weather on a  day tinged with respect,  sweet memories tinged with sorrow for many brave heroes who never made it home to their families and broken futures.