by David Flint
The Stephentown Memorial Library has “Memorial” in its name because when founded in 1946 it was dedicated to the memory of the military veterans from Stephentown. “Our goal since then has been to serve this community as our service people have served our country,” said Library Board President Sue Brisette Cass at a ceremony on Wednesday, November 7, at which the Library was rededicated to the veterans. The ceremony was attended by Veterans of Stephentown in their uniforms, by Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts in their uniforms and by a good crowd from the community.
Two Honor Roll plaques had been installed in the Library after its founding, one listing the names of World War I veterans and the other listing the names of World War II veterans. These plaques were taken down when the recent renovation began. Now with original frames beautifully refurbished by Phyllis and John DeFreest, these Honor Rolls have been restored and were hanging veiled on the south wall of the new Community Room.
Following the reading by Board Member Lynda Lewis of three poems, “The Bravest Man I Know” by Amanda Whitney, “Heroes” by Jared Jenkins and “Heroes Died For Me” by James Burns, Phyllis assisted Girl Scout Greta Hermann in the unveiling. Cass called for a moment of silence in honor of all deceased veterans and their families. The scouts then led the community in singing “God Bless America” following which everyone was invited to share a cake decorated appropriately with the words, “Thank You Stephentown Vets.”
