Veteran Flagpole Dedication in Stony Point

BY MARIA MIRAKAJ BROWNSELL

On Sunday the men’s club at Immaculate Conception Church in Stony Point dedicated a new flagpole and plaque in front of their school building. After the 10:30 a.m. mass, a crowd gathered in the front lawn where the sun was shining bright. Tom Robinson, the treasurer for the men’s club, lead the group in a ceremony.

A year and a half ago, the men’s club treasurer, John Sullivan who was a Vietnam Veteran, died suddenly. Together the men decided that they wanted to do something to honor Sullivan.

“The old flag pole on the side of the building was a mess so we decided to remove that and put up a new one in front, in memory of John. The guys were saying why don’t we do it in memory of all the veterans in Immaculate Conception parish.  And we did because we know John would approve of that,” Robinson said.

The club raised money for the project by having roast beef dinner fundraisers and flea markets, which isn’t unusual for the group. Throughout the year, they are constantly coordinating different events in the parish, whether it is a Super Bowl party, picnics, or auctions.

“A couple of guys in the club got together. We dug the hole. We put it up and got the plaque to put in front of it. We hada memorial mass today so we decided it would be a good day to dedicate it,” added Robinson.

After the dedication ceremony, a reception was held inside the building where light food and drinks were served. It was a full house, with men in uniform, scouts, and parishioners chatting together.

The men’s club at Immaculate Conception Church meets monthly where they organize different events and participate in church activities.  There is also a women’s club that meets monthly that organizes their own events and helps promote the work of the church. Immaculate Conception Church of Tompkin’s Cove has been around since 1885 when they officially separated from St. Peter’s of Haverstraw.