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The family of 1st Lt. Mohsin Naqvi with Vince Wood, Vice Commander Orange County American Legion.
Mayor Nicholas J. Valentine and Imam Salahuddin Muhammad with color guard (Vince Wood and Anthony Marino, Orange County Legislator)
Nazar Naqvi, father of Lt. Mohsin Naqvi and family members and David McTamaney, President of Orange County Veterans Association help at tree planting ceremony.
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Event Commences 2009 City of Newburgh Memorial Day Observances
On September 17, 2008, 1st Lt. Mohsin Naqvi, an American soldier of Muslim descent, gave his life for our country.
On May 22, 2009, City officials and local Veterans' Organizations gathered at Downing Park to plant a tree in his honor, beginning 2009 Memorial Day observances in the City of Newburgh.
A Town of Newburgh resident and graduate of Newburgh Free Academy, Mohsin Naqvi wanted to join the military right after his commencement in 2000. At his father's request, he began college studies instead.
Then came the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and four days later, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve. His first tour of duty was in Iraq.
Every soldier has challenges to overcome, but this soldier faced being an American Muslim in the post 9/11 world. He dedicated himself not only to serving his country, but to overcoming stereotypes about Muslims. Despite aspersions and questioning, even from other soldiers, he remained true to his mission and his country.
After completing his first tour of duty, he earned a degree in computer science from SUNY Geneseo. Then he enlisted in the U.S. Army, and began his second tour overseas less than two weeks after his marriage. He was killed by a roadside bomb while on patrol in Afghanistan.
At the tree planting ceremonies, a color guard carried the American flag, and Patty Sofokles of the Downing Park Planning Committee sang "The Star Spangled Banner." Imam Aseel Khan recited a passage from Holy Quaran, followed by remarks by Imam Muhammad Salahuddin of Newburgh's Masjid Al Ikhlas, where Lt. Naqvi worshipped.
Supervisor Wayne Booth of the Town of Newburgh and members of the Newburgh Town Board attended the ceremony.
"Lt. Naqvi's sacrifice should always be remembered. His dedication to his faith, family, country and the Greater Newburgh Community will forever live in the hearts and minds of those who knew him. We shall always keep Mohsin Naqvi and his family in our prayers," Supervisor Booth commented.
Mayor Nicholas Valentine added, "We are proud to honor Lt. Naqvi as not only an American hero, but as a local hero. This tree is a living memorial to his loyalty to his country, his family, his faith, and the people of our community."
The sugar maple, donated by the City of Newburgh Shade Tree Commission and Downing Park Planning Committee, was planted near another tree dedicated to Aurey Hollenbeck, a deceased veteran who worked diligently to keep Memorial Day traditions alive in the City of Newburgh over the years. Lt. Naqvi's commemorative plaque will join Aurey's on the wall of the Shelter House, as another testimonial to love of country and community.
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