Braunsdorf Park Is Central to Pearl River's Memorial Day Weekend

Pearl River residents will once again come to Braunsdorf Park for three events Memorial Day weekend.

The 24 Hour Honor Guard will begin at noon Sunday and continue through noon Monday. Members of the public are encouraged to take part as veterans stand guard over crosses bearing names of Pearl River residents who lost their lives while serving.

There will be a Candle Light Vigil at 8 p.m. Sunday. The ceremony honors Rockland County residents who died in war. For images and comments from last year's vigil, click here. 

John H. Secor American Legion Post 329's annual Pearl River Memorial Day Parade will leave First Niagara Bank (formerly HSBC) on Middletown Road at 10:15 a.m. Monday, turning down Central Avenue and completing its route at Braunsdorf Park at 10:30 a.m. The parade is followed by a memorial service. World War II veteran Arthur Cozwith will be the guest speaker. 

Those are just a few of the Memorial Day events in Orangetown, which include:

Sunday

• 10 a.m. - Walkway of American Heroes Memorial Day Commemorative Service at Camp Shanks in Tappan. 

Monday

• 10:15 a.m. - Pearl River Memorial Day Parade
• 11 a.m. - Tappan Memorial Day Parade begins at Masonic Grounds and ends at Tappan Reformed Church. Memorial Service follows.
• 11 a.m. - Sparkill Memorial Day parade begins at the Sparkill Firehouse and ends at Depot Square. Memorial Service immediately fllows.
• 11 a.m. - Nyack Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony begins in Nyack and ends at Memorial Park, with ceremony at WWI Veterans Memorial
• 12 p.m. - Lions Park Memorial on Western Highway in Blauvelt

Tuesday

• 11:30 p.m. - Memorial Day Observances before lighting of Watchfires at Nike Park, Clausland Mtn and Piermont Pier
• Midnight - Lighting of Watchfires (until midnight May 30.)