Orange County honoring all who have served this Saturday

GOSHEN — On Sept. 29 and 30, 1918, 39 residents of Orange County perished during the Battle of the Hindenburgh Line in France.
It was a decisive battle, playing a large role in ending World War I.
This Saturday, Sept. 29, Orange County will dedicate the day to the memory of those 39 men as it commemorates Orange County Memorial Veterans Day with events throughout the day honoring the men and women who have served the United States in the military.
Events will kick-off with a memorial service at 10 a.m. at the Orange County Veterans Cemetery in Goshen followed by a commemorative event at 1 p.m. at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center.
The afternoon event will feature a roll call of the 39 men who died, music, refreshments, art exhibits and performances, re-enactments, a display of military artifacts, and a keynote speech by Medal of Honor recipient, Major General James Livingston, U.S. Marine Corps retired.
Also speaking will be L. Col. James Gonyo, U.S. Army. Gonyo, of New Windsor, is the battalion commander of the First Battalion Fighting 69th representing the National Guard contributions.
Other activities are scheduled throughout the day.

Some history

During World War I when the National Guard was federalized, many of the young men who lived in Orange County were assigned to the 107th Regiment of the 27th Division. This regiment was one of the major forces in the Battle of the Hindenburgh Line. Thirty-nine residents of Orange County, 19 from Newburgh’s Companies E&L and 20 from Middletown’s Company I, were killed in the battle, which took place on Sept. 29 and 30.
“On this day we not only remember their sacrifices on that horrific day, we also pause to remember all those men and women who have raised their hands and said, 'Send me'," said Andrew Komonchak, executive director of the Purple Heart Hall of Honor, Inc. and chairman of this year’s Orange County Veterans Memorial Day. “It goes without saying that Orange County Veterans Memorial Day is dedicated to all our veterans.
"We encourage all our citizens, military and civilian, men, women and especially children to be part of this event," Komonchak added. " This is an opportunity to honor our military and a way to say thank you for your service”.
The event is sponsored by the Newburgh Armory Unity Center, The Purple Heart Hall of Honor, Inc. and the County of Orange.
Both events are free and the public is invited to attend.
Supporting groups include American Gold Star Mothers, Orange County Vets Center, Jewish War Veterans, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Veterans Historical Museum, Hudson Valley Honor Flight, National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, Regional Police Pipes and Drums, Orange County Veterans Coalition, Mount St. Mary College, SUNY Orange, American Legion, Catholic War Veterans, Marine Corps League, Vietnam Veterans of America, Patriot Riders, ShopRite Stores, Rolling Thunder, Nam Knights, and various church groups.
Sponsorship contributions are welcomed. For more information, a more detailed schedule of events, or to volunteer, call Komonchak at 845-978-3434.