Gold Star Mother Paula Zwillinger lays the wreath

POUGHKEEPSIE – No matter which Memorial Day ceremony you attended Monday, there was a common theme – the day is more than just barbeques and shopping.

“It’s a day that we set aside for those that gave us the opportunity to have weekends like this,” said Dutchess County Veterans Service Agency Director Nelson Rivera at a service held in Poughkeepsie.  “To remember the ones who gave the ultimate sacrifice for this country.  That’s what this day is about, and that’s what I want people to realize.”

Rivera, coming from a family of war veterans, took part in the service held at the Dutchess County War Memorial, where he and other veterans placed a wreath honoring the memories of all men and women who died while on military duty.

Poughkeepsie resident Gene Santiamo shared the same sentiments as Rivera.

 “It’s a solemn day to remember all of our brothers and sisters, all who have served and paid the solemn sacrifice for their country.  My thoughts go back to my friends that I lost in the Vietnam War.”

Congressman John Hall, an advocate for veterans’ rights, was the keynote speaker at the memorial service.  He highlighted the importance of “giving the best treatment we have to our veterans."

Hall noted the efforts Congress has undertaken to bring better healthcare and other support services to today’s troops and the families of those who have fallen during duty;  Hall, too, reminded those who attended  to not let anything overshadow the day’s true meaning.

“To many Americans, this means a day off from work, a chance to play basketball, cookout, but we must never forget the true meaning of this day, the day we honor true Americans who lost their lives protecting the great American dreams of justice liberty and peace,” he said.