On Monday, May 26, the community of Livingston Manor came together to honor the nation’s fallen service members with its annual Memorial Day Parade and commemorative ceremony. The event, a cherished local tradition, was organized by the Livingston Manor Fire Department. 

The parade commenced promptly at 10 a.m. from the Livingston Manor Firehouse, making its way down Main Street to Rock Avenue, and continuing to the veterans memorial on Pearl Street. Leading the procession was the Livingston Manor Fire Department, followed by the Ladies Auxiliary and the Livingston Manor Central School Band.

Marching behind them were members of local community groups and organizations. Children waved flags, and veterans stood at attention as a convoy of fire trucks and emergency vehicles brought up the rear, their presence a symbol of ongoing service and protection.

At the veterans memorial flagpole on Pearl Street, the community gathered for a solemn ceremony. LMFD Second Lieutenant Christ Tuleweit delivered a heartfelt speech, offering powerful reflections on the meaning of the day.

“Sacrifice is a word rarely used in the world today,” Tuleweit said. “The word was created by combining two words — sacred, and ‘to make’ — in that order from the Latin language.”

This was followed by remarks from US Veteran Sergeant Balsey De Witt III, who served for six years as an infantryman. Though he returned home alive, his words served as a sobering reminder of the lasting burdens carried by many who serve. He said, “multiple traumatic brain injuries, PTSD and survivor’s guilt,” are three of his worst scars. 

President of the Ladies Auxiliary of Livingston Manor Julie Diescher said, “Memorial Day means celebrating the people who sacrificed for our country.”