by Bea Peterson
On Saturday, September 12, the community turned out to take part in a special “Welcome Home!” program for Hoosick veterans who served during the Korean Conflict. That war began in July 1950 and concluded in July 1953. Often called the “forgotten war,” it ended as a standoff, and today, as at the end of World War II, Korea is still divided between the North and the South.
[private]In Wood Park Hoosick Falls Mayor David Borge noted that 36,574 Americans died in that war, 103,284 were wounded and 7,926 were missing in action. Fortunately, he said, all those from Hoosick who served, came home. All one hundred and fifty-plus of them.
Today those veterans are in their late 70s and early 80s. Some were fit enough to march from the Town skating rink to Wood Park and back. Others traveled in buses.
The parade included the veterans, American Legion Post #40, the Hoosick Falls Community Band, the Yankee Doodle Band, politicians, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, the Junior Rescue Squad, fire trucks and the Patriot Guard Motorcycle Group.
At the Park the flag was lowered to half staff and taps was played. Then, it was back to the rink.
Each Honored
Master of ceremonies Ben Patten called the names of more than 25 veterans who individually walked through an honor guard and were escorted to their seats by members of the Patriot Guard.
More than 325 people were in the rink to honor the veterans. Many families were there representing their deceased veterans.
Gail Smith from Voice of a Vet welcomed everyone. The opening prayer was given by Rev. Jonathan Youngmann, and Shari Hand sang the National Anthem.
Patten introduced Mayor David Borge, Hoosick Supervisor Mark Surdam, Rensselaer County Legislators Stan Brownell and Lester Goodermote, NYS Senator Kathy Marchione, an aide to Congressman Chris Gibson, George Christian, Rensselaer County Director of Veterans Affairs Peter Goebel and Korean War Vets Association National Director George Covel. All of them spoke briefly.
Patten announced an award for each veteran that was presented to him or her by the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts.
Tom McMartin had video clips on the war, a thank you clip from South Korea and one local
soldier’s story of his experiences during that conflict. Announcements were made by John Holmes and Dick Whalen and special recognition was given to Tom McMartin and Gail Smith for all their efforts in putting the program together. The closing prayer was said by WW II veteran Rev. Philip Garippa, and David Sutton sang God Bless America.
Lunch followed and included music by the Yankee Doodle Band.
The Voice of a Vet Welcome Home Team consisted of Joyce Brewer, John Holmes, Tom McMartin, Melissa Mears and Gail Smith.
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