This Week in Clarkstown

By Matt Veronesi

Actor Will Rogers once said, “We can’t all be heroes, because somebody has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by.” As Memorial Day approaches, those words feel especially meaningful. Across our country—and here in Clarkstown—we take time to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

Originally known as Decoration Day, this solemn occasion is marked by visiting cemeteries, decorating graves with flags and flowers, and gathering for parades, ceremonies, and moments of remembrance. It is a day rooted in gratitude, reflection, and community.

In the Town of Clarkstown, several events are planned to honor Memorial Day, beginning with the return of the Carry The Load relay—an especially powerful and meaningful tradition. On Monday, April 27, at Congers Station Park, this national nonprofit will launch part of its 2,100-mile journey, carrying the American flag from New York to Texas. What began as a mission to honor fallen military service members has expanded to also recognize law enforcement officers who have given their lives in service to their communities. The relay concludes in Austin on Memorial Day.

Clarkstown is honored to serve as a relay exchange point, right in downtown Congers. The event features a march into the park, a scholarship presentation, a wreath-laying ceremony, a community barbecue, and family-friendly activities. Each year, hundreds of residents, including Scouts, Little League players, veterans, and elected officials, join the procession from Old Haverstraw Road to the park. It is a moving and memorable way to teach younger generations about the true meaning of Memorial Day and the sacrifices made for our freedom.

Since its founding in 2011, Carry The Load has raised nearly $50 million, with 93% of funds directly supporting its programs—an impressive commitment to making a real impact.

In conjunction with the relay, Sean Magee and Anchor Trading sponsor a $5,000 scholarship contest for high school seniors, centered on the question: “What does Memorial Day mean to you?” Each year, the town receives thoughtful and heartfelt essays, reflecting a deep understanding of the day’s significance. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. with the relay’s arrival and concludes with a wreath-laying ceremony at sunset.

Additional Memorial Day events in Clarkstown include:

The annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the Street Community Center on Friday, May 22, at 11:00 a.m., featuring a guest speaker and concluding with a barbecue lunch.

The Congers/Valley Cottage Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 25, at 10:30 a.m., beginning at the Congers/Valley Cottage Ambulance Corps and ending with a ceremony at the VMA.

The Mt. Moor Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony in West Nyack, honoring African American veterans from the Civil War through the Korean War. Hosted by the Friends of Mount Moor Cemetery and the Buffalo Soldiers of Rockland County, the ceremony begins at 11:00 a.m. at Mount Moor Cemetery.

The American Legion Post 1682 Memorial Day Parade in New City, starting at 10:00 a.m. with assembly at Collyer Avenue and South Main Street, honoring fallen service members and featuring community groups and veterans.

The Nanuet Memorial Day Ceremony at 1:00 p.m. at the Veterans Monument near the Nanuet Train Station, preceded by a parade and followed by a barbecue hosted by the Nanuet Fire Department.

As someone who deeply respects those who have served our country, I encourage everyone to take part in these events. Whether you march, attend a ceremony, or simply watch from the sidelines, take a moment to reflect, remember, and honor those who gave everything for our freedom.

This Memorial Day, let us proudly “sit on the curb and clap as these heroes go by.”

Got an idea for the column or an event in Clarkstown you want me to mention? Shoot me an email at mveronesi@optimum.net. Have a great week!