Memorial Day ceremony details announced

On May 25, Minkler-Seery American Legion Post 252 of Philmont will remember veterans who have sacrificed their lives from the Philmont area for all others to be free.

Jeffrey  French, chairman of the Memorial Day Committee, announced the details.

The guest speaker at this year’s ceremony will be U.S. Army Capt. Jason Nichols, a native of Valatie and son of county Judge Jonathan Nichols, and a member of the American Legion Minkler-Seery Post 252 of Philmont.

In May 2009, Nichols received his commission from Boston University and bachelor’s degree in marketing from Bentley University.  After graduation, Nichols was assigned as assistant recruiting officer for the Boston University Army ROTC program until he reported to Fort Rucker, Alabama, in April 2010.

After flight school,  Nichols was assigned to 1-6 Calvary Regiment 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas;  serving as an assistant operations officer for the 1-6 Calvary Regiment.  Nichols was reassigned to Avenger Troop as 1st platoon leader until May 2013.  

Nichols deployed as task force supply officer in support of Operation Enduring Freedom XIII, as part of Task Force Saber.  After redeployment, Nichols continued to serve as a squadron S4 and was later called to serve as the squadron assistant operations officer.  Nichols took command of Bandit Troop, 1-6 Cavalry 09 in December 2014.

He is a gradute of SERE-C school, the Rotary Wing Qualification course, the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior Qualification course, Aviation Basic Officer Leader course, and the Joint Firepower course.

Members of the Minkler-Seery Post decorated the veterans’ graves in all the cemeteries in the town of Claverack. On May 22,  legionnaires will meet at 6:30 at Memorial Field on Main Street in Philmont to pay respect to those who gave their lives.

Memorial Day, a veterans’ breakfast will be served beginning at 7 a.m. at the Vanderbilt House.  All veterans are welcome to attend.  (Attendees, please call Jeff French at 518-672-4757)

Following the breakfast, the parade will line up at 8:30 a.m. at the old American Legion building and step off at 9 a.m. Marchers will parade down Main Street, ending at Memorial Park on Main Street. Parade line up is as follows:

FIRST DIVISION:
Philmont police, Miss Poppy  American Legion Color Guard, Taconic Hills High School Band, American Legion members and American Legion Auxiliary members, clergy and village and town of Claverack officials.

SECOND DIVISION:
Decorated bicycles, Taconic Hills Junior High School Band, Philmont-sponsored Boy Scouts. Little Leaguers and farm team members

THIRD DIVISION:
All fire companies will combine as one marching unit to show their respect to those who served and are serving in the armed forces.  

Following the parade, a memorial service will be conducted at the Memorial Park, with opening comments from Minkler-Seery member Paul Roberston.  The invocation will be given by the Rev. Ken Coddington, of Philmont Methodist Church. The Pledge of Allange will be lead by Boys State Rep. Timoth Kierman, a junior at Taconic Hills High School. A welcome will be made by Philmont Mayor Clarence Skip Speed and Claverack Supervisor Clifford “Kippy” Weigelt.  Minkleer-Seery American Legion Boys State repersentives, Austin McComb and Jeffrey Frickey will recite the Gettysburg Address.  Also, Cody Falkner and Joseph Giulian will recite “In Flanders Field.”  These students are juniors at Taconic Hills High School.

A memorial prayer will be said by the Rev. Mark McDarby, of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Philmont

There will be a presentation for the most-patriotic bicycle decoration awards, along with the introduction of Miss Poppy. Judging will take place behind the old legion building at 8:30 a.m.

The Philmont Community Chorus will sing two selections, “America Beautiful” and “Salute to the Armed Forces.” The musical section will be played by the Taconic Hills High School Band.

The service will end with a  salute to the dead by the Minkler-Serry American Legion Post 252, the playing of “Taps” and the National anthem. The Rev. Dan Herrick, of the Philmont Reform Church, will conduct the benediction.

French welcomes all veterans, current and past, to attend as the village of Philmont says, “Welcome Home.”  

(Article from Register Star)