Sun came out in the Rosendale Tillson Memorial Day Parade

After two full days and nights of rain on Saturday and Sunday, it seemed like the entire Memorial Day weekend was going to be a washout, but just in time for the parade to begin in Tillson Monday morning the rain had stopped, and by the parade’s end in Rosendale some hours later the sun was out and shining in a blue sky.

The May 25, 2026, Rosendale/Tillson Memorial Day Parade commenced at the Tillson Fire House on an overcast morning. The surrounding area was abuzz with spiffy uniformed folks of all ages roaming about while a variety of bands tuned up before they took to the street as roaming minstrels. Before the parade started, one side of Tillson Road was occupied with a neat line of shiny fire trucks, rescue vehicles, army jeeps and even a UCAT bus. All of the corresponding heroes (Firemen, EMTs and Veterans) from the surrounding towns waited patiently with each other while the rest of the troops, groups and teams got into formation and readied their floats and horses while the brass bands and bagpipers continued warming up. Rosendale Police Officer Patty Vincent offered a friendly welcome as she greeted and directed everyone who came through the Tillson and Springtown intersection during the organizational hour.

The grand marshal of the Memorial Day Parade, Army veteran Leon Simpson, who served as part of Strategic Communications in Radolfzell, Germany, from 1963-1966 looked sharp and stood proudly outside the firehouse as he waited for the parade to start. Simpson had the following to say about holding the honorable title of grand marshal, “It’s not my first time being the grand marshal but this time it was special because I was chosen in my absence. My fellow colorguard members thought enough of me to give me the honor… I missed the meeting and to my surprise the membership elected me to be grand marshal.” This was not Mr. Simpson’s first time filling the role he reflected, “I don’t remember the year that I was first chosen to be the grand marshal, maybe it was five or six years ago.” Simpson holds his colleagues at American Legion 1219 in high esteem and spoke of them saying, “All the credit for organizing this parade goes to Eric Waldheim for his tenacity and his commitment to detail and to Jack Leiching for his leadership and organizing the Colorguard… Eric is the adjutant and Jack is the captain of the Colorguard… There were others involved… Everyone had a part in putting the parade together, from the Commander, and all who helped build the floats, organizing the bands, lining up the vehicles and the fire companies. I think everyone did a great job.”

Once the parade started, the group headed north on Springtown Road. Music filled the air as American flags and veteran poppies were handed out to citizens on the side of the road. Young parade goers were on the receiving end of the classic parade candy toss and some rainbow tie-dye rubber wristbands that read “Rosendale Street Festival” were also chucked to those in the crowd.

The procession stopped at the Rosendale Plains Cemetery where military honors were held, and Sara Sellers placed a wreath on the Veteran’s Memorial Marker which was followed by a two-rifle salute. Waldheim remarked that, “The two [who were] carrying rifles are members of the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 1219… We are lucky to have such a young and active Sons of the American Legion Unit to fill the ranks of Honor Guard… The rifle salute serves as a visible reminder that a veteran’s service and sacrifices will never be forgotten, and that the nation remains grateful for their dedication to protecting the freedoms enjoyed by all Americans.” A moving solo trumpet rendition of Taps was performed next by Mike Siless, of the Saints of Swing Band, which signaled the end of the ceremony at the cemetery. This emotional tribute to American veterans was followed by a second military honors ceremony at the St. Peter’s Cemetery just down the road. The cavalcade continued down the hill and over the Rondout Creek before turning right and heading down Main Street in Rosendale. Ulster County Executive and Rosendale native Jen Metzger joined the parade on foot and made her way down Main Street to where the parade reached its final resting place at the Veteran’s Memorial Park (across from Stewart’s) for the last ceremony of the day.

Adjutant Waldheim spoke on the final honoring of the veterans which took place that day. “Following the American Legion Manual of Ceremonies, Rosendale-Tillson American Legion Post 1219 conducted a solemn and dignified Memorial Day Ceremony at the Rosendale Veterans Memorial Park. Commander Leonard Beaulieu served as Master of Ceremonies, guiding attendees through a meaningful tribute to our nation's fallen heroes. Guest speaker and veteran David Gagnon delivered a heartfelt address that resonated deeply with those in attendance, reminding us that, ‘We honor them by how we live – by being citizens worthy of their sacrifice.’ The tremendous turnout from across our community reflected a strong and enduring commitment to remembering those who gave their lives in service to our country. As veterans, families, civic organizations, and residents gathered together in tribute, the ceremony served as a powerful reminder that the sacrifices of our fallen will never be forgotten and that their legacy continues to inspire future generations. Rosendale-Tillson American Legion Post 1219 is honored to serve as the steward of this long-cherished community tradition, ensuring that the memory of our fallen heroes continues to be preserved and passed on for generations to come.” Waldheim said that through archives.gov it is possible to find information about your family members service to their nation, “If you are ever interested in knowing more about their service, you can make a request to the national archives. I did that and received my grandfather's entire service record. I received everything he pretty much ever signed while in the military. I never knew him but held his fingerprints and medical records. Truly powerful.” Thank you to all of our nation’s military and all of their families who have sacrificed their lives to protect ours.