Despite heavy rain on Veterans Day, our Mid Hudson Adirondack Mountain Club hiked to the flag atop Beacon Fishkill Ridge to pay tribute to our Veterans. Fifteen hikers and three musicians braved the weather. They felt that Veterans went out in all kinds of weather, and rain was not going to stop us. A big thank-you to Chris Cring for organizing this outing, which we plan to make an annual event. The hike’s destination is the United States flag that has been maintained for decades by the Darcy family in honor of Robert Darcy, a Veteran , who passed away in 1994. The flag flies high at a clearing with a spectacular view overlooking the Hudson Valley. This mountain range happens to be the location where the first American soldiers maintained a look-out to protect George Washington’s Headquarters across the river.
Darcy family member Pete Darcy sent the following thank-you note (published here with his permission):
Chris,
On behalf of the Darcy Family and all Veterans around the area, THANK YOU. My brother Dean sent me a Facebook video sent to him by Tim Kelleher of the trio playing the National Anthem at the Flag. Very inspiring and gratifying. As an ‘old Marine’ it does my heart good to see the younger generation honoring Veterans. Thanks again and God Bless.
Semper Fi.
Pete Darcy … Sharpsburg, GA
See video clips of this year’s outing by clicking on these links:
When the Saints Come Marching In (sound of buglers)
Thank you Chris Cring for organizing this hike. It was an honor to play for veteran’s day.