On Monday, Yonkers commemorated Memorial Day with several remembrances throughout our city.
A History Both Nationally and Locally
Memorial Day was originally established as Decoration Day to honor both the Union and Confederate soldiers who died during the Civil War. After World War I, the day expanded to honor all the American military members who died in war. In 1971, the United States officially declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be observed on the last Monday in May.
The Commemoration This Year
The first commemoration of the day started with a parade from Schultze Field to the American Legion Plaza near the Crestwood Train Station. Notable groups included Boy Scout Troop 1, Pack 6 Crestwood, Knights of Columbus Annunciation Council 12761, the Yonkers Police Honor Guard, and the Yonkers Fire Department.
This year, Crestwood hosted some special attendees direct from Fleet Week NYC, a military contingent of Sailors and Marines. The Marines were from various bases on the east coast. The Sailors were from the USS Wasp and USS Cole. Special visitors from the Italian Frigate, ITS Virginio Fasan also attended. Notably, nearly a year before the attack on the World Trade Center, the USS Cole fell victim to a terrorist attack while moored at the port of Aden in Yemen. Seventeen American Sailors died in that strike.
Glenn Sadowski, the master of ceremonies provided the opening remarks demonstrating the solemnity of the occasion. Crestwood Troop 1 raised the flag under the direction of Scoutmaster Steven Melnyk. Jeanie Sweeney sang a pitch perfect rendition of the National Anthem. The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. Father Grippo, pastor of Annunciation Parish provided the invocation.
Lieutenant Colonel Glenn Sadowski, USMC, Retired, introduced the poem “In Flanders Fields,” which was read by Julia Sadowski. The poem was written during the first World War by Canadian physician Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae. It presents the point of view of the dead and highlights the sacrifice of the fallen. The poppy we wear to commemorate Memorial Day is a direct link to that poem.
Corporal Sean Melnyk, USMC Reserves laid the wreath at the soldiers cross, followed by the Yonkers Honor Guard’s 21-gun salute. Jeannie Sweeney concluded this segment with Amazing Grace.
Those in attendance were given the opportunity to publicly remember a fallen service member. A benediction by Stan Auferi, Chaplain American Legion Earnest Pasqua Post #1506 shortly followed. Glen Sadowski proffered some closing remarks and Jeanie Sweeney concluded with “God Bless America”.
See a gallery of this event
Many neighborhoods throughout Yonkers hosted similar ceremonies during Memorial Day. And all were attended by the local officials representing their community.
The words on this page cannot recreate the emotion, anguish, and respect demonstrated through our city in honor of those who gave the most. It is not only the fallen heroes who sacrificed, but the families who lost a brother, a mother, a father, or a piece of themselves. This was a day to put differences and politics aside and remember our heroes.
