TOWN OF FISHKILL – Monday was a day full of solemn remembrance as the Town of Fishkill paid tribute to the fallen. The day began with a wreath-laying at the Town War Memorial Park, attended by Supervisor Ozzy Albra, Councilwomen Jackie Bardini, Kenya Gadsden, and Louise Daniele, Town Clerk Rebecca Tompkins, and Police Commissioner Dennis Zack. A wreath was given to the Town for the occasion by the Verplanck Garden Club, and the wreath was placed by Councilwoman Daniele’s son Charlie, in remembrance of all Fishkill’s heroes who have given their lives in service of our nation.
Town officials then went to the Fishkill Rural Cemetery for a ceremony, capped with a graveside dedication at the grave of Civil War veteran and Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Elijah A. Briggs, 2nd Connecticut Heavy Artillery. Supervisor Albra spoke about Sgt. Briggs and his regiment, and their remarkable journey from guard duty at forts near Washington DC to storming Confederate trenches in some of the Civil War’s deadliest battles, including Cold Harbor and Petersburg. Sgt. Briggs earned the Medal of Honor for his actions on April 6, 1865, when he captured a Confederate battle flag at Petersburg. He settled in Fishkill after the war and lived to the age of 78 before passing away in 1922.
The day ended as Town officials joined other dignitaries, including Village of Fishkill Mayor Jim Miccio, County Legislator Doug McHoul, County Executive Marcus Molinaro, and Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney for a parade through the streets of the village, followed by a ceremony at the Village War Memorial.
