ROCKLAND — State Senator Ed Mazurek, was among the officials Monday, Memorial Day, at Chapman Park in Rockland to honor to the men and women who had given their lives for the cause of freedom. The arrival of the police and military honor guards heralded the start of the ceremonies. Master of Ceremony Walker Hutchens guided the speakers that included Senator Mazerek and Rockland Mayor Will Clayton, Avenn Ridgeway from Union provided the bagpipe music before and after the ceremony.

Mazurek said it was a good day for a parade.

“It’s always nice on this day; the good Lord is always looking out for us,” he said. “I look forward to paying a tribute to the men and women who have made this country what it is and I look forward to it every year.”

In his address Mazurek said this proclamation was one of tribute and respect for those who fought so valiantly and gave their lives to our country.

Two past mayors of Rockland and its present mayor took the opportunity to pose for a picture before the ceremony began. Thomas Malloy served as mayor eight times, Senator Mazurek served in 2003 and Will Clayton serves as the current mayor of Rockland.

Barbara Emerson, from Rockland, also known as the Hat Lady, couldn’t resist her finest Memorial Day hat to celebrate the occasion.

“I have over 100 different hats for every holiday, for every season, whatever you can think of and I wear them everyday, everyplace I go to make smiles.” she said. “I wasn’t in the military, but my husband was, my father was, my brother was and I’m here because I want to be patriotic and not just today, but every day.”

Francis Farley and James Brannan, both veterans, laid the wreath to commemorate the dead at the base of the flag pole. The flagpole is dedicated to the memory of the men of the army and navy who served in the Civil War.