For More Information Contact:
Colleen Pillus
845-486-2000
Email: cpillus@dutchessny.gov
Poughkeepsie… Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro will join with local veterans, elected officials and community members tomorrow morning, Saturday, June 14th, to celebrate Flag Day with a special dedication of County Route 40A (St. Andrews Road) in the Town of Hyde Park as the “Dutchess County Veterans Memorial Highway.” The roadway dedication pays tribute to the men and women who have served our country in the United State military. The ceremony will be held in the former Stop & Shop parking lot at the corner of St. Andrews Road and Route 9.
County Executive Molinaro said, “So many have given so much in defense of our country and in protection of the freedoms we all enjoy. This roadway dedication is a way to say thank you for to our veterans for their service in a location that so many will see each and every day, reminding us all how much we have to be grateful for.”
The dedication was originally suggested by Legislator Joe Incoronato, who represents District 15 - Town of Wappinger and serves on the County Legislature’s Veterans Affairs Committee. The idea was embraced by several other county legislators, including Hyde Park Legislator Sue Serino who requested St. Andrews Road be considered, as well as Hyde Park Town Supervisor Aileen Rohr. St. Andrews Road (CR 40A) is a 1.17 mile county roadway in Hyde Park connecting US Route 9 and US Route 9G. More than 8,200 vehicles travel the roadway on a daily basis.
Legislator Incornato said, "Given that this roadway is only a few miles from the home of FDR, America’s great WWII leader, I believe Veterans Memorial Highway is an especially meaningful landmark for commemorating the service and sacrifices of our present and deceased veterans. So for generations to come, let this Veterans Memorial Highway be symbolic of the debt Dutchess County owes to all the men and women of our nation who have answered the call to military duty."
Hyde Park American Legion Post 1303 and Poughkeepsie American Legion Post 1466 will be in attendance, providing flags and water and Post 1303 Commander Mike Athanas will offer remarks. Commander Athanas noted, “I am pleased that the highway is being dedicated to the Dutchess County Veterans. For Hyde Park veterans, it is a great honor to have it here in the Town of Hyde Park.”
Town of Hyde Park Supervisor Aileen Rohr added, ““Hyde Park is very proud to have been selected as the location for the Dutchess County Veterans Memorial Highway. The men and women who have served our country in the United State Military hold a special place in the hearts of Hyde Park residents and we are so pleased to be able to honor them for their dedication, their valor and their contribution in this tangible and special way. It is my sincere hope that all who travel this highway will take pause from their daily thoughts and reflect on what Dutchess County veterans have contributed to our way of life and especially the freedoms we enjoy.”
As part of the celebration and in honor of Flag Day, the national anthem will be performed by Franklin D. Roosevelt High School student Lucy Orrego and Disa Werner, Historian for the Ladies Auxiliary at American Legion Post 1466 Poughkeepsie will lead the Pledge of Allegiance. The Dutchess County Sheriff Office’s Color Guard will present the colors.
Dutchess County Director of Veterans Services Nelson Eddy Rivera (Navy-RET) said, “There is so much we as Americans take for granted everyday, including the simple ability to simply get in our cars and drive to where we please. We are able to do these things every day because of the contributions and sacrifices of our veterans. So it is fitting to celebrate Flag Day, the symbol of our freedom, with a dedication to all our veterans who have sought to protect that freedom.”
