Melanie Lekocevic is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media Memorial Day 2020 looked different than in past years, with everyone wearing facial masks and coverings, but the coronavirus pandemic did not stop public ceremonies in Columbia and Greene counties, May 25. American Legion Post 184 held a ceremony on the post’s grounds at 107 County Route 25 in Hudson. “Normally, we would have hundreds of people come out to pay their respects to our fallen comrades,” Commander Ed Coons said as he opened the ceremony. “These are challenging times.” Chaplain Rick Howland recited an opening prayer, there was a military gun salute, the national anthem, taps and the raising of the flag. Despite COVID-19 and the restrictions currently in place, the members wanted to keep their traditions alive for the holiday, Howland said. In Greene County, Honeyford Memorial American Legion Post 110 in Catskill hosted its annual Memorial Day ceremony on the steps of the Greene County Courthouse. “Because of this virus, there is no need for us to not honor those who gave us the freedoms we have today,” Commander Thomas Andreassen said. U.S. Navy veteran and Greene County Treasurer Peter Markou spoke, telling the story of the origins of Memorial Day, first known as Decoration Day in the years following the Civil War. The second guest speaker, U.S. Army paratrooper veteran and past commander Salvatore Pusatere, recalled relatives and friends who saw combat, some who died and some who were grievously wounded. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.