RIVER VALLEY — It began as Decoration Day in 1868, when members of the Grand Army of the Republic honored Union soldiers who had died in the Civil War by placing flowers on their graves.

The tradition has continued with a reverent and grateful setting, set aside at a time of barbecues and other beginning-of-summer activities in Glen Spey. Lumberland residents gathered under a brilliant sky to watch members of Scout Troop 102 lay flowers at the monuments honoring those who have served in the nation’s conflicts.

Those conflicts began with World Wars I and II; were followed by the Korean and Vietnam Wars; then the Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Persian Gulf and Desert Storm conflicts; and then through present-day Operations Enduring Freedom, New Dawn and Inherent Resolve-Islamic State. 

Peter Barnes of the American Legion, and Fred Bosch and Bob Grimm of the VFW, were part of the honor guard that provided the three-volley gun salute …

American Legion Post 1363 members participated in the tribute and gun salute, followed by the playing of taps. 

The service was emceed by Town Historian Frank Schwarz. Deputy Supervisor Leigh Sherman gave the welcome on behalf of the town board, and Sullivan County Legislator Nadia Rajsz admonished those present to never forget the sacrifices by our military and their families.  

Said she, “May their memory inspire us to work toward a world where peace prevails and the rights of all are protected. God bless America, God protect our military.  I am so proud to be an American.”

Rev. Nancy Vonderhorst of the Pond Eddy Church gave the benediction, quoting from the Gospel of John, “Greater love hath no one than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” 

Remembrances continued at Heroes Park in the Town of Highland, where Pete Carmeci, commander of VFW Post 6427, welcomed over 100 participants. 

Vonderhorst and Father Richard Bretone from St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church in Yulan offered prayers over the proceedings. 

Richard Vandevelde, American Legion Post 1363 Adjutant, noted that over one million Americans have given their lives in service to this country. Whether we agree or disagree with the wars and conflicts in which we’ve been involved as a nation, we should always remember those who have laid down their lives in the nation’s service, he said. 

“As a nation, we will always love, honor and remember the warriors who gave their lives for our freedom,” Vandevelde said.

George Haas, Legion Post Commander, echoed that sentiment, saying that because of those who have given their lives, our lives remain free, and our nation lives. 

Rev. Susan Storms from Eldred Congregational Church pronounced the benediction, saying, “May we remain a grateful nation to all who have sacrificed everything so that we may be free.”

An honor guard composed of members of both the VFW and the American Legion gave a gun salute. The playing of taps concluded the service of remembrance.