Memorial Day in Pound Ridge
Memorial Day is just a few weeks away. It has always been a special day in Pound Ridge. For generations, residents have lined the streets to enjoy our charming parade of flags, banners, vehicles, and people. We clap for our neighbors as they wind and wave their way through our historic thoroughfares. Children have a glint in their eye as they turn the corner on their school year and anticipate Summer adventures near and far. Pound Ridge is a small town and there’s something special about a small town coming together. No matter how different we may be from one another, we are one community. Together, we celebrate group achievements and endure common sacrifice.
For Pound Ridge, Memorial Day is a unique expression of our community’s deep bond. It is a day of reflection, remembrance, and gratitude. We honor the members of our small town that served our country and made the ultimate sacrifice for it. We honor similar heroes in communities across the country. Ebie Wood, Pound Ridge Historical Society’s former President, remembered when it was still called “Decoration Day” and school children “laid decorations on the graves of men and women who had died serving their country.”
While our community is most often noted for its efforts and sacrifice during the American Revolution, its tradition of service runs far deeper. During the Civil War, 109 of the town’s 1,500 inhabitants fought for the Union. 21 died. During World War I, when the town’s population was only 725, 23 residents shipped overseas and fought. Two soldiers never returned. 98 of the town’s 800 residents enlisted during World War II and three were killed. Thankfully, all 13 Pound Ridgers who served in Korea returned safely. However, the community lost two more young men in Vietnam, and another hero in Afghanistan in 2009.
For small towns, Memorial Day can be an especially meaningful day. It is a solemn day to reflect and remember, but it is also a hopeful day to appreciate and enjoy. Because, through the sacrifice of our heroes that never returned, and those that did, we are lucky enough to smile and clap alongside our neighbors in a small town full of history, community, and friendship.