The Memorial Day ceremony held Monday, May 26 at the Kauneonga Lake village square was officiated by Quartermaster Howie Goldstein of the Andrew Brucher-Bailey- Richman VFW Post 5499. He thanked Bethel Town Supervisor Dan Sturm and the Town Council for co-ordinating the event and introduced Chaplain Randolph Peers who recited an opening prayer. 

“Bless and strengthen the sick, the needy and the afflicted, widows and children,” he said. “Enable us to benefit the community in which we live…in true comradeship.”

A speech by Supervisor Dan Sturm followed: “It is a chance (for us) today to pay tribute to those who have died in service to our country, and their families It is since 1868 that we’ve gathered together to place flowers, flags and wreaths on the graves of our heroes. 

“These soldiers had mothers and fathers who never saw them again,” Sturm continued. “Today is the day to remember them and acknowledge them.”

Sullivan County Judge James Farrell told the tory of asthmatic Michael Monsaur who became a Navy Seal in 2004. As a top performing machine gunner during the Iraqi Freedom Operation in Ramadi, he demonstrated bravery in saving the life of an injured Sealmate under terrorist bullets, and earned a Silver Star. 

In 2006, a week before going home, he shielded his teammates before a grenade that had bounced off his chest exploded, without hesitation, and suffered mortal injuries. 

“His actions that day could not have been more selfless.” 

At his funeral a comrade said, “We are fighting a determined enemy...in a brotherhood bound by sweat, blood, and tears. Yet on his gravestone are chiseled the words: ‘I have no regrets.’”

Judge Farrell recognized those who have lived here “who have died for us”. 

“[They] dwell in the mansions of the Lord…We owe our fallen soldiers and their families an eternal debt of gratitude.”

A closing prayer was recited by Chaplain Randy Peers, who also played Taps.