POUGHKEEPSIE … Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino and the Dutchess County Office of Veterans Affairs invite local veterans to upcoming events celebrating their service, sacrifice and contributions to their community. The County’s annual “Red, White & You” veterans picnic and two pasta dinners will allow these heroes to connect with one another and meet the people and organizations available locally to support them and their families. These events are free, and reservations are required.
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “Dutchess County is so thankful to the brave men and women who have served our country. These events are a chance for us to celebrate our veterans, say thank you and bring people together. I hope our veterans will join us, enjoy some delicious food and great conversation, catch up with old friends and make some new ones.”
Dutchess County’s annual Red, White & You Veterans Picnic will be held Saturday, Oct. 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at James Baird State Park in Pleasant Valley. This free, rain-or-shine event will feature a barbecue provided by Tavern 23, live country music from local band StringMasters and an opportunity for veterans and their guests to spend an afternoon together enjoying the splendor of autumn in Dutchess County.
Continuing a tradition she started more than a decade ago, County Executive Serino will again partner with Mental Health America (MHA) of Dutchess County Veterans Programs to host two free Veterans Pasta Dinners on the following dates:
Sunday, Oct. 25
Red Hook VFW Post 7765
30 Elizabeth Street, Red Hook
There will be one seating at 4 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 1
East Fishkill Community Center
890 Route 82, Hopewell Junction
There will be two seatings, at 2 and 4 p.m.
Veterans may register themselves and one guest for the picnic and/or either pasta dinner by emailing countyexec@dutchessny.gov or calling 845-486-2000.
Dutchess County Veterans Affairs Director Adam Roche said, “Every veteran has made a sacrifice to serve our country, and Dutchess County is truly grateful for all they have given. We look forward to welcoming our veterans and their guests to these events to show them how much we appreciate their service and everything they have done for our county.”
From April through November, County Executive Serino and Veterans Affairs honor local veterans with two monthly ceremonies celebrating their life service and remembering the legacies of those who have passed, respectively. “Veteran of Distinction” ceremonies thank community-nominated living veterans on the second Tuesday of each month, while “Honor-A-Veteran” remembrances take place on the third Thursday to honor veterans’ legacies. Next month’s “Veteran of Distinction” event celebrates John Yurus, a U.S. Navy veteran who served in World War II, at the Knights of Columbus St. Mary’s Council No. 4065, 339 Route 82 in Hopewell Junction, on Tuesday, Oct. 13 at noon. The next “Honor-A-Veteran” remembrance honors Edward J. Fischer, an Army veteran, at Pleasant Valley Firehouse, 1619 Main Street in Pleasant Valley, at 9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 15. Information about these events is available on Dutchess County’s calendar, dutchessny.gov/calendar; on the Veterans Affairs Facebook page, facebook.com/dutchessveterans; and Dutchess County Government’s Facebook page, facebook.com/dutchesscogov.
Veterans Affairs is planning more events for November, including the new Veterans Appreciation Day event at the Henry A. Wallace Visitor and Education Center at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park on Saturday, Nov. 7; additional details will be available in the coming weeks.
Veterans and their families can contact the Dutchess County Office of Veterans Affairs, year-round, at 845-486-2060 or veterans@dutchessny.gov for information about available services and resources.
