Port Jervis hosts parade to honor veterans (VIDEOS)

PORT JERVIS On Veterans Day 2024, Port Jervis celebrated the service and sacrifices of America's Armed Forces veterans. A parade down Main and Pike Streets to the city's historic Orange Square kicked off a morning filled with honors and memories of veterans past and present.

The parade featured school and community bands and groups, city and county officials, floats, military vehicles and veteran delegations from local veterans posts. This was followed by a ceremony at Orange Square that included prayers, musical performances by the Broome Street and Port Jervis High School Bands, Chamber Choir and Middle School Drama Club. The words of thanks from several Veterans Day speakers drew applause from those who showed up to pay their respects on Veterans Day.

Captain of Tri-State Naval Ship Post #7241, Capt. Fabrizzio Morejon, who served as master of ceremonies, recognized both those who wore the uniform of the American Armed Forces and those who come annually to celebrate their sacrifices and achievements.

“We celebrate what they have accomplished as soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, coastal residents – and also as civilians – mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters, aunts and uncles and close friends,” Morejon said.

“Fifteen years ago, I moved to this community from New York City with my family, and we chose to stay because this community supports the American way of life,” Morejon said.

Port Jervis Mayor Dominic Cicalese thanked the city's employees and retirees, as well as all veterans for their military service.

“For those of us who did not serve, it is up to us to express our deepest gratitude and show our unwavering support. You inspire us to be better, to do more and to live lives worthy of the freedoms you defend,” Cicalese said.

VFW Post #161 Past Commander Hank Dunn requested fellow Sentry Dog Handler/Vietnam Veteran Bob Ridley and port resident MaryLou Hack to place a dog bone-shaped wreath in patriotic colors designed by Laurel Grove Greenhouse at the newest memorial in Orange Square. Under Hack's leadership, this new Dog Soldier monument was installed in the park this month by the city's public works department. Funded by public donations, the memorial was constructed under the direction of Gray Parker Funeral Home and honors the courage and service of America's military dogs past, present and future.

It was Hack's dream to honor all American service dog soldiers, an honor she felt was long overdue.

“You were my master, my best friend,” Hack read from a poem written from the perspective of a service dog. “For years they have not received the respect they deserve. That changes today as we place this stone in her honor. Remember, this is where we honor all of our veteran heroes, including our canine veterans.”

The new dog memorial can be viewed near the Vietnam Memorial in Orange Square.