HAVERSTRAW, NY — This week, a large crowd gathered at Bowline Point Park for the annual Watchfire Ceremony, a moving tribute organized by local Vietnam veterans to honor fallen service members.
The event, a long-standing tradition in the Town of Haverstraw, drew residents of all ages, many of whom have attended year after year.
The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 333 has a long-standing tradition of lighting watchfires to honor the fallen and missing servicemen of all wars, with a special focus on Vietnam War veterans. The watchfires are held at multiple locations, including Bowline Point Park in Haverstraw.
The watchfires are typically lit annually on or near Memorial Day, at 12:01 a.m., and burn for 24 hours. The tradition began in 1987 and is a way to remember the sacrifices of those who served, with veterans taking shifts throughout the night to keep watch. The fires at Bowline Park in Haverstraw are a significant part of this tradition.
The ceremony began this year on Thursday May 29, and continued until Friday evening, culminating in the symbolic “retiring of the colors” at 7 p.m., where worn United States flags were respectfully disposed of by fire.
Town Supervisor Howard Phillips praised the dedication of the veterans who coordinated the effort, offering special recognition to Tom Carroll and Pete Novak for their tireless work. “Pete really is the catalyst behind all of this,” Phillips said. “He’s there day and night helping to build the entire watchfire, and his son’s there with him.”
During the ceremony, the names of deceased Vietnam veterans were read aloud, followed by an open call for attendees to honor any loved ones who served in the military, regardless of war-time status. “It is so important that we remember,” Phillips noted. “That we pass on this legacy to our children… because it is extraordinary, the courage and determination that the men and women who have fought in battle have demonstrated.”
Solemn Tradition for Local Residents, Military Families
Attendees expressed a deep emotional connection to the event. One woman, reflecting on the impact of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, shared: “My son lost three friends while fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. I feel it’s so very important to recognize their sacrifice. I go every year to honor those young men and all the soldiers who never came home to their families.”
Held at Bowline Point Park, the Watchfire Ceremony once again served as a solemn, yet unifying moment for the North Rockland community to come together, reflect, and pay tribute to the nation’s heroes.
Additional photos from the ceremonies were provided from the Town of Haverstraw.
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