FREMONT CENTER — Dennis Bernitt had a vision.

A Civil War reenactor, U.S. Army veteran and staunch supporter of veterans’ activities, Bernitt wanted to build a lasting tribute to all the veterans of Fremont Center and surrounding towns.

“Dennis Bernitt was a huge part of the parade committee,” committee member Catherine Hillriegel said. “He planned on working on this project this year.”

Unfortunately, on December 13 of last year Dennis passed away suddenly at his home.

The committee pressed forward with Bernitt’s idea and at its Tuesday night meeting Hillriegel brought in a prototype with, you guessed it, Dennis W. Bernitt’s name on it.

“We are pleased to announce the creation of a Veterans Garden at the Veterans Park in honor of all local area veterans,” Committee Chair Doris Sharp said. 

The Fremont Center Memorial Day Parade is the second oldest Memorial Day Parade in New York State and was started in 1884.

The Grand Army of the Republic held the first Memorial Day Parade in the Town of Fremont to honor those who served in the Civil War.

This year, the 140th Town of Fremont Memorial Day Parade will be held on Monday, May 27 beginning with a Veterans Park Memorial Service at 9:30 and parade step off at 10 a.m.

An entire program will follow the parade at the Fremont ballfield.

The stone bearing Dennis W. Bernitt’s name will be on full display throughout the day.

Hillriegel noted that the committee is forever grateful to all the hard-working and dedicated volunteers who have kept the parade alive for so many years.

“Every one of them were an integral part of our success and such a big part of the history of the parade,” Hillriegel said. “Like Thelma Herbert, Jim Greier, Frank Geotsis, George Rosenberger, Barbara Yelekli and Randy Lohr. Without people like them we wouldn’t be where we are today.”

How to order a marker

Hillriegel noted that the bluestone markers were donated to the parade committee by Richard Mirch of Tompkins Bluestone in Hancock.

“We are so appreciative of their generosity and support of our veterans,” Hillriegel said.

The engraving is being done by Galloping Horse Graphics.

The cost of purchasing a paver for the veteran in your family is $100. Currently plans are to  engrave and place markers twice each year.

To order a marker, please call Dr. Lauren Roman, who is a veteran and a parade committee member and also this year’s guest speaker.

Please call her at (845) 720-0173 or email romanlauren@yahoo.com.