News
Paying tribute to America’s heroes
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| Above, members of the American Legion Post 42 lead the traditional Chatham Village Memorial Day parade over Woodbridge Avenue up to Hudson Avenue and Cemetery Hill to the Chatham Rural Cemetery, the final resting place for an estimated 500 veterans from the community. (Sesame Campbell/Hudson-Catskill Newspapers) |
NYSP captain serves as keynote speaker at Memorial Day program
By Sesame Campbell
CHATHAM — It was a perfect day, as members of the American Legion Post 42, local officials, the Ghent Band, the New York State Police Color Guard, veterans, Legionnaires and local police and firefighters led the annual Village Memorial Day parade up Woodbridge Avenue to the Chatham Rural Cemetery for the village’s annual Memorial Day observances.
Toward the front of the procession was New York State Police Capt. Scott Brown, who was the keynote speaker at the traditional Memorial Day program.
“We gather every year annually to remember service men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice so our freedoms remain secure,” Brown said. “My message is quite simple: that we never forget these heroes and that we also recognize those veterans who are with us today, those involved with the current conflicts and those from past wars.”
During his remarks, Brown said he wanted the public to remember the young people in their teens and early 20s who are on the front lines in Afghanistan and Iraq. His son is currently processing for the Army.
He added that Memorial Day is also about public safety and that those who paid the ultimate sacrifice are not forgotten. “We need never forget the profound sacrifices these people have made for us so that we’re able to enjoy the picnics and barbecues and different festivities on this day.”
Brown thanked the local heroes, the Chatham Police Department who was represented by Chief Kevin Boehme and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Department, represented by Capt. David Bartlett, who was attending on behalf of Sheriff David Harrison Jr.
During his address, Brown became emotional as he recalled the loss of his cousin who was killed during the Vietnam War. He also recollected several NYS police officers who fell in the line of duty.
“Today is a memorial to the loss of these troopers who serve as tangible examples of the ultimate sacrifice,” he said.
Other speakers at the memorial observances at the cemetery included Chatham High School student Logan Kerr of Chatham, who recited the poem “In Flander’s Fields,” while Emilie Latham of East Chatham delivered Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. The Rev. Iris Wadell, pastor of the Chatham Payne AME Church delivered the invocation and benediction, and the Chatham High School Band offered music.
“I’m grateful that I’m able to take part in this ceremony,” said Marilyn Martin, American Legion Auxiliary president. “It is an honor to pay homage to those who have come before us who have allowed us the things we all enjoy.”
Headquartered in Livingston, Brown is the commander of Zone 1, Troop K, and has served 20 years in the State Police. Over the past 14 years he has served as captain, with his leadership split between Zone 1 and the Mobile Response Team. As commander of Zone 1, Brown supervises a corps of 70 troopers and investigators in Columbia and Dutchess counties. He has received numerous awards and decorations, including four Superintendent Commendations for resolving hostage situations, apprehending murderers and SCUBA recovery of victims.
By Sesame Campbell
CHATHAM — It was a perfect day, as members of the American Legion Post 42, local officials, the Ghent Band, the New York State Police Color Guard, veterans, Legionnaires and local police and firefighters led the annual Village Memorial Day parade up Woodbridge Avenue to the Chatham Rural Cemetery for the village’s annual Memorial Day observances.
Toward the front of the procession was New York State Police Capt. Scott Brown, who was the keynote speaker at the traditional Memorial Day program.
“We gather every year annually to remember service men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice so our freedoms remain secure,” Brown said. “My message is quite simple: that we never forget these heroes and that we also recognize those veterans who are with us today, those involved with the current conflicts and those from past wars.”
During his remarks, Brown said he wanted the public to remember the young people in their teens and early 20s who are on the front lines in Afghanistan and Iraq. His son is currently processing for the Army.
He added that Memorial Day is also about public safety and that those who paid the ultimate sacrifice are not forgotten. “We need never forget the profound sacrifices these people have made for us so that we’re able to enjoy the picnics and barbecues and different festivities on this day.”
Brown thanked the local heroes, the Chatham Police Department who was represented by Chief Kevin Boehme and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Department, represented by Capt. David Bartlett, who was attending on behalf of Sheriff David Harrison Jr.
During his address, Brown became emotional as he recalled the loss of his cousin who was killed during the Vietnam War. He also recollected several NYS police officers who fell in the line of duty.
“Today is a memorial to the loss of these troopers who serve as tangible examples of the ultimate sacrifice,” he said.
Other speakers at the memorial observances at the cemetery included Chatham High School student Logan Kerr of Chatham, who recited the poem “In Flander’s Fields,” while Emilie Latham of East Chatham delivered Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. The Rev. Iris Wadell, pastor of the Chatham Payne AME Church delivered the invocation and benediction, and the Chatham High School Band offered music.
“I’m grateful that I’m able to take part in this ceremony,” said Marilyn Martin, American Legion Auxiliary president. “It is an honor to pay homage to those who have come before us who have allowed us the things we all enjoy.”
Headquartered in Livingston, Brown is the commander of Zone 1, Troop K, and has served 20 years in the State Police. Over the past 14 years he has served as captain, with his leadership split between Zone 1 and the Mobile Response Team. As commander of Zone 1, Brown supervises a corps of 70 troopers and investigators in Columbia and Dutchess counties. He has received numerous awards and decorations, including four Superintendent Commendations for resolving hostage situations, apprehending murderers and SCUBA recovery of victims.
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