Where In The Hudson Valley?

Can you identify where in the Hudson Valley this picture was taken?

Sometimes you can drive past some of the most incredible sights in the Hudson Valley without even noticing them. We want to see just how closely you're paying attention... so do you know where this photo was taken?

This is actually a picture of a very special memorial that was erected in Wappingers Falls on Route 9 and Old Hopewell Rd. If you look on the corner in front of DCH Wappingers Falls Toyota you'll see paving stones, flags and a large piece of metal. They're all part of a memorial honoring a man who gave his life in Afghanistan.

That big piece of metal is actually a steel beam from the World Trade Center. A ceremony was held for its dedication on Sept 11 of this past year. The pavers and landscaping are courtesy of Alan Lehigh who owns Lehigh Lawn and Landscaping in Wappingers.

The memorial is dedicated to Mark Palmateer, who went to school with Lehigh and later worked at his landscaping company. Palmateer was inspired by the events of 9/11 to enter the New York Army National Guard at the age of 33. In 2008 Palmateer was a Sergent serving in Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom when his convoy met with an IED. Palmateer and two others died in the attack, making him the first soldier in Dutchess County to din in the War on Terror.

Lehigh says he built the memorial to make sure people remembered Palmateer's sacrifice. According to a press release from Lehigh Lawn and Landscaping, you can help support the upkeep of the memorial by purchasing a personalized paver that can be etched with your own message.