by David Flint
Stephentown Veterans Day ceremonies, held on Saturday, November 8, at the Veterans Park, focused this year on those members of the Stephentown Veterans from the post-Korea and Vietnam War eras.
[private]John Linton, President of the Veterans of the Stephentown Area, led off with the Pledge of Allegiance. Following an opening prayer by Rev. John Close, Larry Holder and Laurelyn Mayen sang a beautiful rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner.”
Stephentown Town Supervisor Larry Eckhardt said he was very proud of the Stephentown Veterans group and very proud also of the memorial that they have erected and maintained in the Veterans Park. Regarding veterans he quoted Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, “You always know the right thing to do – the hard part is doing it.”
Peter Goebel, Director of the Rensselaer County Veterans Services Agency, noted that, “Not every veteran has made the ultimate sacrifice, but every veteran has sacrificed, and every veteran deserves our thanks.”
Rensselaer County Legislator Stan Brownell, who comes to the Stephentown Veterans event every year, recalled with great respect some of the veterans who are no longer with us… Francis Grant who died three years ago, Bob Reiter who passed away one year ago and the recently departed Wyatt Haley
NYS Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin remembered, as a young person, the veterans returning home from Vietnam, “and not being shown the level of respect they should have. I think that’s something this country has been trying to rectify over the years since.”
Rich Harris from U.S. Congressman Chris Gibson’s office read a letter from the Congressman. Gibson thanked the Stephentown veterans “for their advocacy on behalf of military families. My family and I are grateful for all you do to instill in our young people an appreciation for veterans and a deep love for freedom and the United States of America. Thank you for your military service and your community spirit.”
NY State Senator Kathy Marchione said that the veterans “are the people who allow me to be able to serve as a Senator – not a big deal. But what you guys do – that’s a huge deal for our country. Thank you for all that you did – no matter what war you served in – no matter whether you served in a war or not – you were ready, so we could be free.”
Rensselaer County Executive Kathy Jimino said she has realized when making out certificates of appreciation for veterans at these events that “you people didn’t just put your lives on the line and then come home saying I did my part, you came home to your community, were active in the Fire Department, the veterans organization, you volunteered at the Library, at the schools and in senior service groups, to help each other out, names so familiar for so much continued service to the community…Thank you for your service in the military, for your service to your community and for your continued giving of yourself to all of us.”
The State and County officials handed out certificates of appreciation to the post-Korea and Vietnam War Era veterans. Then, following the laying of memorial wreaths at the Veterans Monument and playing of Taps by buglers Derek and Jackson Burhans, all those attending were invited back to the Fire Hall for a catered lunch and time to meet and greet and remember. And all commented on what a wonderful job the Cub Scouts of Pack 911 did in setting up and serving and cleaning up afterward.
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