The Veterans Memorial Association of Congers announced the Memorial Day Parade begins at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday on Kings Highway across from Bluebird Drive. Five divisions will be marching, starting with Clarkstown Police vehicles and Honor Guard. The Felix Festa Middle School Band will follow.
Next in the line of march will be the 2012 Honored Veterans: Jerry Donnellan, director of the Rockland County Veterans Services Agency, and Retired Marine with her retired military canine partner, Sgt. Rex. Joining them will be veterans’ organizations including Vietnam Veterans, R.C. Detachment Marine Corps League and 82nd Airborne Division.
Division Two of the parade features Town of Clarkstown, Rockland County and New York State elected officials and members of the ambulance corps and youth group of the ambulance corps. The third division leads off with the Rockland County Sheriff’s Honor Guard, Congers Elementary School Band, Rockland Rockets, Girl Scout troops and Congers Little League teams.
Marching in the fourth division is the Lakewood Elementary School Band, Boy Scout troops and packs, John XXIII Knights of Columbus and the Valley Cottage Indians. In the fifth and final division, marchers include the Congers Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and Band, Valley Cottage Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, Rockland Lake Fire Department, fire company vehicles and a Congers Valley Cottage Ambulance Corps vehicle.
The parade goes to the Veterans’ Memorial Association of Congers headquarters on Lake Road. A ceremony will be held honoring all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
On Monday, the 63rd Annual Memorial Day Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. in New City. The parade route begins at North Main Street and Calvary Drive and ends at the Rockland County Court House with a service. About 700 marchers are expected for the parade. For 63 years, the New City American Legion has sponsored the parade, which is believed to be the largest in the county.
Among the groups represented will be county veterans, local schools and business organizations from throughout Clarkstown. Clarkstown Chief of Police Michael Sullivan will deliver opening remarks for the memorial service at the courthouse and State Senator David Carlucci will be the guest speaker.
New City American Legion member John Bradley said the parade’s purpose is “to remember those who have served our country and county.”
Check the attached PDF from www.rockvets.com for information on other Memorial Services and Memorial Day Parades in the county.
