Fallen Heroes Honored at Two Community Memorials

Remains of World War II veteran to be buried in Wappingers Falls on May 24

Posthumous Medal of Honor ceremony in Millbrook on May 29

As we enter the Memorial Day holiday weekend, there will be two additional poignant remembrances of the local veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation.

On Saturday, May 24 at 11 a.m., a funeral Mass will be held in honor of World War II veteran Army Staff Sergeant Eugene Darrigan, a Wappingers Falls native, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 11 Clinton Street in Wappingers Falls. Following the service, SSG Darrigan’s remains, which were found in Papua, New Guinea and recently identified at SSG Darrigan’s, will be escorted to his final resting place in the cemetery located directly behind the church. Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino will join local leaders in paying their respects, and there will also be military honors at the grave site. The Dutchess County Office of Veterans Affairs assisted the family in securing SSG Darrigan’s remains for burial in Dutchess County.

On Thursday, May 29 at 11 a.m., there will be a gravesite ceremony at Nine Partners Cemetery, Church Street in Millbrook to honor Army Private First Class Charles Johnson, a former Millbrook resident killed in action during the Korean War after rescuing 10 of his fellow soldiers. In December 2024, PFC Johnson was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, which was accepted by his sister, representing his family. The Dutchess County Office of Veterans Affairs worked with the VA to have PFC Johnson’s headstone updated to reflect he is a Medal of Honor recipient. The Dutchess County Department of Public Works has erected a flagpole next PFC Johnson’s headstone. County Executive Serino will join community leaders in honoring PFC Johnson and showing their respect. Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9008 in Millbrook will be renamed in PFC Johnson’s honor.