There are so many times throughout the year when I’m reminded how incredibly
blessed I am to serve as Supervisor in a town that consistently comes together as a
community when it matters most. Clarkstown is one of New York State’s largest towns,
with a population of over 86,000 residents. That rather large population is spread out
across smaller hamlets and villages, each with their own unique identities. Our town
encompasses four different school districts. The sheer size of our population and all
these smaller subdivisions can be challenges in maintaining one cohesive identity as a
town. But every year, I am reminded that we are an incredibly strong community when
people of all ages and backgrounds, from all over our diverse town, come together for
the annual “Carry The Load” event in Congers to honor our nation’s truest heroes: our
fallen military and first responders.
Our great nation only exists because of the brave men and women who fought to
establish and protect the freedoms we all enjoy today. Dating back to the Revolutionary
War, over 650,000 U.S. military personnel have died in combat and over 540,000 more
have died in service. Carry The Load is a national veteran’s organization that hosts a
number of local events throughout the country with the goal of reminding us all that the
true meaning of the upcoming Memorial Day holiday is to honor the memory and
sacrifice of these heroes. This mission was later expanded to honor the lives of our
fallen first responders, who gave all in protecting the communities they served.
Clarkstown is very fortunate to be one of the locations where Carry The Load holds a
local remembrance ceremony and community gathering. Our annual event held at the
Congers Train Station features a wreath laying ceremony, a scholarship award, and a
community BBQ. Each year hundreds of residents including young children, veterans,
and elected officials march with Carry the Load team members from Old Haverstraw
Road into the Congers Train Station Park. It is always heartwarming to see so many
families come out to remember and honor our true heroes. It’s a great opportunity for us
to teach future generations about Memorial Day and the ultimate sacrifice so many have
made.
Since 2011, Carry The Load has raised over $50 million through its fundraising efforts to
help those in need in the military and first responder communities. And as we all know,
raising money is only truly beneficial when the funds are actually going to help those in
need. I’m proud to say that Carry The Load really excels in this area, with a top 4 star
rating from Charity Navigator. The organization is also a designated option in the
Combined Federal Campaign program vetted by the federal government. According to
Carry The Load’s website, 93% of the money raised goes directly into the programs it
offers.
To coincide with the event, Congers resident and local business owner Sean Magee
and Anchor Trading sponsor a $5,000 scholarship contest asking High School seniors,
“What Does Memorial Day Mean To You?” Each year we receive dozens of well-
prepared essays from students. The Scholarship Committee is always impressed with
the sincerity of the students’ essays, and their understanding of the true meaning of
Memorial Day. This year’s winner was Albert Ouseph, a student at Clarkstown South
High School and a dedicated New City Ambulance Corp EMT, who wrote a wonderful
essay.
On a personal note, my father was a veteran who served in Korea and passed away in
2000. Like many veterans, he didn’t talk much about his time in the service. He came
home having survived the horrors of combat and worked to build a family and life. I have
always been so proud of him. I am thankful to honor him and the many other veterans in
our Town that I have had the privilege to know, at this event. We are fortunate that
these veterans returned home, but many others did not.
Thank you to all the volunteers, Anchor Trading, BRIDGES of Rockland County, the
Congers VMA, Congers and New City Fire Departments, the Clarkstown Police Honor
Guard and Police Auxiliary, Town of Clarkstown staff, U.S. Marine Corp League of
Rockland County, Rockland County Vietnam Veterans, and the Nam Knights, all for
participating in and helping to organize the event.
