PUTNAM COUNTY – Communities throughout the region will be conducting Memorial Day celebrations and remembrances today but in Putnam County the day that recalls all those who made the supreme sacrifice got a head start Sunday when groups gathered along the shores of Lake Carmel and at the county seat in Carmel.
Vietnam veteran and Silver Star recipient Karl Rohde, Director of the Putnam County Veterans Services agency, who previously served as New York State VFW Commander, told the gatherings: “Veterans Day and Memorial Day ceremonies are run by veterans and not for veterans. We must educate our youth about why veterans are veterans in order to teach them our legacy. We also must celebrate and give thanks to those brave men and women who made it possible allowing the United States to have become the beacon of hope.”
State Assemblyman Matt Slater reminded those in attendance: “Today we think of patriotism and gratitude while Sheriff Kevin McConville described the holiday weekend as “one of remembrance and honor.” County Executive Kevin Byrne called on all Americans to “remember all those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Monday will include ceremonies in Cold Spring, Mahopac, Patterson, Putnam Lake and Putnam Valley.
