Elks Memorial Day Service held

To the editor:

The beautiful traditional Elks Memorial Day Service was held at 3 p.m. Dec. 9 by Hudson Elks Lodge #787 in the Lodge Room. Once more the tolling of 11 strokes has revitalized and strengthened our memories. Once more we remember, each in our own way, the warm smile, the reassuring look, and the comforting touch of those held dear.

The 11 o’clock toast was given by Exalted Ruler William Mellan Jr. PER. The Secretary John Minners, PDDGER, read the names of 6 absent members who had passed during the year, and Esquire Thomas Fisher lit a candle in memory of each member. Reverend Linda Miles from the The Reformed Dutch Church of Claverack gave both the Invocation and Benediction for the Service, Reverend Eileen Weglarz from Christ Church Episcopal gave the address to a full room of Elks and their family and guests. Music was provided by soloist Thomas Fisher and Hudson High School Select Choir. Rose Shaughnasey, PER read a special poem in honor of Member John “Jake” Martin.

Special thanks to Ken Bovat for taking pictures and the Members of Hudson Elks Lodge #787 who provided the light refreshment after the service.

We dedicated this, not as an hour of sorrow and despair, but one of hope and reverence; for, although we miss our members, by these services we rekindle the fires of memory and pay a just tribute of affection and honor to our members who have journeyed to the distant shore, said William Shaughnasey, PER, Memorial Day Chairman as we opened the service. The dim lights in the room helped to brighten the area around the vacant chair for the annual Elks Memorial Day Service.

It a fitting that we as Elks, in the Brotherhood of Elkdom, continue to honor those gone before us “An Elk is never forgotten, never forsaken.”

William Shaughnasey

Memorial Day Chairman

Hudson