A time to remember

By Wendy Bynum-Wade
Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day is a day to remember those who have died in our nation's service.
In Goshen, the veterans of VFW Post #1708 and American Legion Post #377 are determined to make sure that Memorial Day remains important in our lives instead of being just another long weekend to kick-off the summer season of picnics and parties.
Parade
The 2019 parade will step off from Erie Street at 11 a.m. sharp on Monday, May 27. Leading the way will be Grand Marshal Jerry Killenberger.
The route will take its usual course:
From Erie Street to Main Street to North Church Street...
To Murray Avenue to Grand Street to West Main Street...
To South Church Street to Church Park, then disband.
Services will take place at the Everett Monument immediately following the parade. Local officials will read the names of Goshen’s war dead, give their remarks, and present school awards.
Hot dogs and beverages will be served by the village trustees in the park following the ceremonies, free of charge.
Graveside services
Before the parade, Goshen’s veteran organizations will hold their annual graveside services, beginning at St. John’s Cemetery on West Main Street at 7 a.m. The brief ceremony will include "Amazing Grace" on bagpipes, the Chaplain’s Prayer, a rifle salute, and the bugler’s "Taps."
The ceremony will then move on and be repeated in the following order:
Street James Columbarium on Street James Place
Street James Cemetery on South Street
Slate Hill Cemetery on Old Chester Road
The Orange County Veterans Cemetery on Craigville Road
The Minisink Monument (grave)
The Orange Blossom Monument on Main Street
It is a moving ceremony and an important one for children to see. Stopping by at least one of the cemeteries would be a great way to pass on this tradition and remind all family members why we are free to celebrate such occasions.
So grab your lawn chairs and stake out a spot for viewing the parade. Take a few minutes out of your weekend to remember our local service members who paid the ultimate price for our freedoms. They are being remembered on this solemn day for giving up everything so that the families and friends left behind could have everything.