Moving Memorial Day Parade at SSCS

By Alexis Pencar

This past Memorial Day, Monday May 26th, the Sharon Springs community held their Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony at 11:00 AM to a large crowd with gorgeous sunny weather!

American Legion Post 1269 Member Vern V. led the ceremony, with American Legion Post 1269 Member, Reverend Thomas Davis up next for prayer, and then a thoughtful speech on why Memorial Day is so important.

Kenneth J. Kelly, Airforce Veteran, American Legion Post 1269 Member, and Sharon Town Judge, took to the podium to remind everyone that “today we gather, not just as neighbors, but as a community united by gratitude and remembrance”. He also spoke of the “pride of service and the struggles that can follow” and prompted the crowd with “What can you do?”, suggesting ways to help the cause even if you don’t serve. Finishing with a stirring, “Let us leave not only with gratitude in our hearts, but with a renewed commitment to serve our communities, to support our veterans, and never forget those who gave the last full measure of devotion.”

As a part of the Ceremony, two beautiful wreaths were placed on the monuments by an American Legion Post 1269 member John T. and Post 1269 Auxiliary President, Debbie Cross. This moving Ceremony was performed with reverence and respect as the spring birds chirped in the background.

Then the moving Taps on trumpet by the SSCS Band and the Civil War reenactors performed “The Salute to the Dead” with musket shots as the whole crowd jumped since they used real gun powder!

Throughout, the SSCS Band played patriotic themes like the National Anthem and there was a large and respectful crowd for this somber annual event to honor and remember those brave soldiers who gave their lives in sacrifice to maintain the freedom of our country.

At this Memorial Day event, there was also a special table that was in honor of the late Veteran and American Legion Post 1269 Member Tony Desmond with a photo. Desmond was an integral part of the Sharon, Cobleskill, and Schoharie Communities, and is sorely missed.

This Memorial Day Ceremony & Parade was made possible with many volunteers including Sharon Springs Central School students, parents, and teachers, The American Legion, SSCS Band, Girl Scout Troop 2844, and more. Another significant display of the strong and devoted community in Sharon Springs, NY.