 Town of Fishkill Observes Memorial Day
Monday was a day full of solemn remembrance as the Town of Fishkill observed Memorial Day. The day began with a wreath-laying at the Town War Memorial Park, attended by Supervisor Ozzy Albra, Councilwomen Jackie Bardini, Kenya Gadsden and Louise Daniele, Town Clerk Rebecca Tompkins and Police Commissioner Dennis Zack. A wreath was given to the Town for the occasion by the Verplanck Garden Club, and the wreath was placed by Councilwoman Daniele's son Charlie, in remembrance of all Fishkill's heroes who have given their lives in service of our nation.
 Fishkill Honors Civil War Recipient of Medal of Honor
Town officials then went to the Fishkill Rural Cemetery for a Memorial Day Ceremony, capped with a stirring graveside dedication at the grave of Civil War veteran and Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Elijah A. Briggs, 2nd Connecticut Heavy Artillery. Supervisor Albra spoke about Sgt. Briggs and his regiment, and their remarkable journey from guard duty at forts near Washington DC to storming Confederate trenches in some of the Civil War's deadliest battles, including Cold Harbor and Petersburg. Sgt. Briggs earned the Medal of Honor for his actions on April 6, 1865 when he captured a Confederate battle flag at Petersburg. He settled in Fishkill after the war, and lived to the age of 78 before passing away in 1922.
 Keynote remarks were given by DAR General President Denise Van Buren, who offered a stirring tribute to Congressman Hamilton Fish, who was the driving force behind the creation of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which was erected at Arlington National Cemetery 100 years ago. A graveside ceremony at Sgt. Briggs' grave brought proceedings to an end at the cemetery.
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A Grand Finale
The day ended in spirited fashion as Town officials joined other dignitaries, including Village of Fishkill Mayor Jim Miccio, County Legislator Doug McHoul, County Executive Marcus Molinaro and Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney for a parade through the streets of the village, followed by a ceremony at the Village War Memorial.
Supervisor Albra wishes to thank all the Town officials and dignitaries who attended today's events, the Fishkill Rural Cemetery Board of Trustees and President Sterling Gaston, Denise Van Buren, Mayor Jim Miccio, and the Town of Fishkill Police Department for providing a color guard for Monday's ceremonies.
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 Supervisor Albra said Monday's observances are in keeping with the Town's commitment to honoring its history and recognize those who have served and sacrificed.
In 2020, the Town observed Memorial Day by honoring three Fishkill residents who were killed in action in Vietnam. In observance of Veterans Day last fall, Supervisor Albra joined Executive Molinaro in a ceremony to dedicate three County roads in Fishkill in their names. To watch that dedication ceremony, click the link below:
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