POUGHKEEPSIE … Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino and Veterans Affairs Director Adam Roche invite residents to join them on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. to honor the brave men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform. The County’s annual Veterans Day ceremony, held at the Dutchess County War Memorial in Poughkeepsie, offers an opportunity for the community to stand united in gratitude for the courage, service and sacrifice of the Americans who have defended our country and protected our freedoms.
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “Our veterans have done so much for our country, and we are forever grateful for their service and sacrifice. They have worked hard to protect our freedoms and keep our nation safe, and they deserve our thanks and respect. This Veterans Day, I hope everyone will join us as we come together to honor these brave men and women and let them know how much we appreciate all they have done for our country.”
Annual Veterans Day Ceremony at Dutchess War Memorial
The ceremony, held at the intersection of Raymond Avenue and Main Street in the Town of Poughkeepsie, brings local veterans and community members together for a meaningful tribute to those who have served our nation. The program will include a wreath presentation and community prayer. Shondra Usher, a former U.S. Army sergeant from the City of Poughkeepsie who served in Iraq and Germany, will deliver the keynote address, and the Poughkeepsie High School Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) will present the colors in a proud display of patriotism.
Operation Green Light
As part of its of National Veterans and Military Families Month, Dutchess County will again participate in Operation Green Light, a statewide initiative honoring veterans’ service and sacrifice. From Nov. 4 through Nov. 11, the County Office Building in Poughkeepsie and Veterans One Stop in Pleasant Valley will glow green. Residents and businesses are encouraged to display green lights as a shared sign of gratitude for America’s veterans.
Other Community Veterans Day events
Veterans Day events will take place in communities throughout Dutchess County, giving residents additional opportunities to honor those who have served and remember the fallen who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. The Dutchess County Office of Veterans Affairs has compiled a list of local ceremonies and events taking place on or around Veterans Day. Residents are encouraged to attend and show their support, and can contact each event’s host for additional details.
2026 Veterans Day Community Observances
Listed by date, then alphabetically by municipality
(Based on information provided by municipalities and community organizations.)
Hyde Park:
Saturday, November 7, 2026 @ 11 a.m.
Veterans Appreciation Day and Resource Fair
Location: Henry A. Wallace Visitor and Education Center
4079 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park
Hosted by: Dutchess County Office of Veterans Affairs
Point of Contact: veterans@dutchessny.gov
Hopewell Junction:
Monday, November 9, 2026 @ 8:20 a.m.
Ceremony
Location: John Jay High School
Hosted by: Mr. Donde McIlwee
Point of Contact: donde.mcilwee@wcsdny.org
Amenia/Dover Plains:
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 @11 a.m.
Ceremony
Location: Fountain Square War Memorial
4958 Route 22, Amenia
Hosted by: VFW Post #5444
Point of Contact: Vicki Doyle @ 845-489-7826
City of Beacon:
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 @ 11 a.m.
Indoor Ceremony
Location: Veterans Memorial Bldg., 413 Main Street
Hosted by: VFW Post # 666
Point of Contact: Harold Delamater @ 845-337-6509
Hopewell Junction:
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 @ 7 a.m.
Emplacement of US Flags
Location: Route 82 in Downtown Hopewell Junction
Hosted by: American Legion Post 1758
Point of Contact: Lance Ashworth @ 845-475-5834
Hyde Park:
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 @ 11 a.m.
Ceremony
Location: Hyde Park Town Hall & Hyde Park War Memorial
Hosted by: American Legion Post # 1303
Point of Contact: Michael Athanas @ 845-233-4371
Millbrook:
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 @ 1 p.m.
Dedication
Location: Charles Johnson Medal of Honor Memorial Monument
Location: At the entrance of the gates to the Tribute Gardens
Hosted by: Millbrook VFW Post # 9008
Point of Contact: Jeff Moseman @ (845) 505-4336
Millerton:
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 @ 11 a.m.
Ceremony
Location: Veterans Park, intersection of Main St. & Dutchess Ave
Hosted by: Millerton American Legion Post #178
Point of Contact: Bob Jenks 845-656-6466
Pine Plains:
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 @11 a.m.
Ceremony
Location: 9 North Main Street
Hosted by: AL Post #426 and VFW Post #5519
Point of Contact: Marie Stewart @ 845-546-7349
Red Hook:
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 @ 11 a.m.
Ceremony
Location: Memorial Park
Hosted by: VFW Post #7765
Point of Contact: William Moore @ 845-758-8175
Rhinebeck:
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 @11 a.m.
Ceremony
Location: Rhinebeck Cemetery, corner of Route 9 South and Mill Road
Hosted by: American Legion Post 429 & Auxiliary
Point of Contact: 845-876-4429
Town of Fishkill:
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 @10 a.m.
Ceremony
Location: Fishkill Town Hall - War Memorial, 801 RT 52
Hosted by: Town of Fishkill
Point of Contact: Supervisor Ozzy Albra 845-831-7800 x 3309
Town of Milan:
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 @11 a.m.
Ceremony
Location: Milan Town Hall
Hosted by: Milan Veterans Committee
Point of Contact: Jasmin Vazquez @ 845-264-4041
Town of Poughkeepsie:
Wednesday November 11, 2026 @ 11 a.m.
Ceremony
Location: Dutchess County War Memorial, Raymond Ave. & Main Street
Hosted by: Dutchess County Office of Veterans Affairs
Point of Contact: Rose Joerg @ 845-486-2060
Town of Stanford:
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 @ 11 a.m.
Ceremony “Purple Heart Town” designation
Location: Bangall Memorial
Hosted by: Purple Heart Committee
Point of Contact: Rbell@stanfordny.gov
Town of Wappinger:
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 @1 p.m.
Ceremony
Location: Brexel-Schlathaus Park, Wappinger Falls
Hosted by: Town of Wappinger
Point of Contact: Jessica Fulton @ 845-297-0720
Village of Fishkill:
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 @ 11 a.m.
Ceremony
Location: Veterans Memorial at corner of Main St. & Broad St.
Hosted by: Village of Fishkill
Point of Contact: Pam Ruyack @ 845-897-4430
Village of Tivoli:
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 @ 11 a.m.
Ceremony
Location: Legion Post #524, 88 Broadway, Tivoli
Hosted by: Harris Smith American Legion Post #524
Point of Contact: Harold Ramsey @ 845-453-7403
Village of Wappingers Falls:
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 @ 11 a.m.
Ceremony
Location: VFW, 8 School Street, Wappingers Falls
Hosted by: American Legion Post #427 & VFW Post #5913
Point of Contact: Virgil Capollari @ 845-297-9813
