Rockland Invites Veterans Cemetery Visitors Memorial Day Weekend

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — While its usual ceremonies are canceled, Rockland County will welcome visitors to its veterans cemeteries throughout Memorial Day weekend.

“We welcome anyone who would like to pay their respects to our fallen heroes by driving through either the Frederick W. Loescher Veterans Memorial Cemetery or the Gary Onderdonk Veterans Memorial Cemetery,” said County Executive Ed Day. “It is of the utmost importance that we remember those who gave all in protection and service to this country and the freedoms we cherish."

Over Memorial Day weekend, Rockland officials remind residents to maintain social distancing and, if medically able, cover their nose and mouth with a mask or cloth face-covering when in a public place and unable to maintain, or when not maintaining, social distance.

Rockland is still affected by the new coronavirus outbreak, with an infection rate since the outbreak began of almost 30 percent. Another 21 people tested positive Monday. Plus, with 121 currently hospitalized with confirmed or suspected cases, Rockland hospitals still may not begin scheduling elective surgeries under New York State rules.

The Gary Onderdonk Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Rockland Community College and the Frederick W. Loescher Veterans Memorial Cemetery on Brick Church Road are owned and operated by the county for the burial of eligible Rockland County veterans, their spouses and eligible dependents.

• The Frederick W. Loescher Veterans Memorial Cemetery, at 220 Brick Church Road, Spring Valley, NY, is open every day from sunrise to sunset.
• The Gary Onderdonk Veterans Memorial Cemetery, on the grounds of Rockland Community College (RCC) will be open from 8 am – 4 pm on Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, and from 7 am – 4 pm on Monday, May 25. Visitors should use the entrance on College Avenue to access the cemetery.

To locate a grave at any Rockland County Veterans Cemetery, search the Rockland County Clerk’s Digital Document System. To locate a grave using the United States Department of Veterans Affairs National Gravesite locator, click here.

“We know that many people come from near and far to visit the final resting places of their loved ones,” said Susan Branam, director of the Rockland Veterans Services Agency. “Our thanks to the staff of Facilities Management who will place a flag on each veteran’s grave by the end of this week. Despite the cancellation of most Memorial Day ceremonies, we want to ensure our veterans who gave their all are remembered and honored for their sacrifice."

While gatherings of more than 10 people are still not OK anywhere in New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said at his Tuesday briefing that Memorial Day ceremonies with fewer than 11 people were allowed.

SEE ALSO: Memorial Day Convoy Organized By Putnam Veterans Agency