The Federated Garden Clubs of New York State, Inc., District IV dedicated a Gold Star Memorial Marker, October 20, 2018, at the War Memorial site in Congress Park, Saratoga Springs, NY. Committee Representatives from the five clubs in District IV, Barbara Millington, Sharon Meyer, Charlanne Ryan-McDonough, Mary Anne Brown and Phoebe Hunt-Fountaine, unveiled the new Gold Star Memorial Marker, a lasting tribute to the Gold Star Families whose loved one paid the ultimate price defending the United States of America. Several Gold Star Mothers and Families attended the ceremony. Cindy Roberts, American Gold Start Mothers Albany Chapter 11 President, accepted the Memorial Marker.
Presentation of the Colors was performed by Saratoga National Cemetery Honor Guard. The Star Spangled Banner and God Bless America was sung by the Racing City Chorus Quartet. Amazing Grace was played by Bagpiper, Owen Zon.
The key note speaker was NY Senator Betty Little. Letters from Monica Hansen, President Federated Garden Clubs of NYS and Meg Kelly, Saratoga Mayor, were read by Lake George Community Garden Club President and Assistant District IV Director, Charlanne Ryan-McDonough. Phoebe Hunt-Fountaine presented the invocation. Rev. Heather Williams, United Methodist Church Pastor, offered the Reflections and Benediction.
The ceremony ended with Taps played by Alexa followed by the Retiring of the Colors. A reception followed at the Saratoga Visitor Center.
Special thanks was extended to Anthony Scirocco, Commissioner of Public Works, Saratoga Springs, Louis Flanders, Supervisor Congress Park, Saratoga Springs and Leona Brownell, Schuylerville Garden Club, Publicity. Donations were received from Dehn’s Flowers; American Legion Capt Maxson Post #632, Cambridge, NY; American Legion Mohawk Post #1450, Halfmoon, NY; Ballston Memorial VFW Post 358, Ballston Spa, NY; Saratoga ITAM Post 21, Saratoga Springs, NY; Saratoga Elks, Saratoga Springs, NY.
Gold Star Parents with Charlanne of Lake George GC
Charlanne & NY Senator Betty Little
Gold Star Marker in Congress Park, Saratoga Springs
