by David Flint
Among those attending a Veterans Day memorial service on Saturday, November 12, at the Stephentown Veterans Park were Congressman Chris Gibson, Rensselaer County Executive Kathy Jimino, Sheriff Jack Mahar and Director of the County Veterans Service Agency Bob Reiter.
In the absence of Stephentown Veterans President Tom MacVeigh, who was ill, Vice President John DeFreest led the ceremonies. In his introductory message he noted that his youngest son William is currently serving at Fort Irwin, CA, training in desert warfare. Asked in a phone call what he was doing, William responded, “I’m sitting on my Abrams, Dad, keeping the world safe – and looking good doing it.” “I remember when that was my job,” John said, “As many of you remember when it was yours.” John did not mention it, but it was his son William who in 2008 earned his Eagle Scout badge by designing and installing the attractive lighted kiosk that functions as a bulletin board in the Veterans Park.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the National Anthem led by Rev. Al Wolcott, Chaplain John Close led the Veterans and those attending in prayer. Wreaths were then placed at the Memorial wall by Veterans Wyatt Haley and Matt Zema and by Cathie Lawless and Ronnie Demick representing the Stephentown Seniors. Taps were played by Derek and Jackson Burhans as the flags were slowly raised.
Kathy Jimino said of the park and the monument, “What a beautiful tribute it is to all of our veterans.” She thanked them for their service. “So much we take for granted because of your service, your sacrifice.”
Congressman Gibson said, “It would not be the land of the free if were not also the home of the brave.” He spoke of the ultimate sacrifice given by Staff Sgt. Derek Farley of Nassau who was killed on August 10, 2010. Like many youths in Stephentown, Gibson said, Farley was very active in the Boy Scouts and in athletics at Columbia High School. “He heard the call to serve his country in a time of challenge and joined the U.S. Army.” He volunteered for the very dangerous job of explosives ordnance demolition, carried out hundreds of missions and was wounded in Iraq. “In Afghanistan the enemy got one up on him, and we lost that young man, one who had so much of life ahead of him and who had made such a positive impact on his community. We think of him today and others like him and their families,” Gibson added, but, “We will keep faith with our brothers and sisters, we will keep faith in our country and move forward.”
Gibson then presented the Veterans with a flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol, “in recognition of all you have done for us and in respect for how you came forward to volunteer for us.”
