Rensselaer County Legislator Thomas Walsh Sr., chairman of the Legislature’s Veterans Committee, is encouraging residents to consider submitting names of family members who served our nation’s military for recognition during the county’s monthly Honor a Deceased Veteran ceremony.
The monthly Honor a Deceased Veteran ceremony recognizes the life and service of veterans who have passed away following or during military service to our nation. Veterans who served during times of war or peace are eligible for recognition.
The monthly ceremony includes representatives from the federal, state and county levels of government. The ceremony has been conducted in Rensselaer County for approximately two decades, starting in 1995.
“The Honor a Deceased Veteran ceremony shows that Rensselaer County does not forget the service and sacrifice of our veterans and their families in defending our freedom and security,” said Walsh.
“We invite family members of a deceased veteran to consider participating in the ceremony, and to contact our county Veterans Service Agency for more information,” added Walsh.
For more information regarding the ceremony, contact Veteran’s Service Agency Director Peter Goebel at 518-270-2760 or Lonnie Warrington, secretary at 518-270-2743.
Candidates for the Honor a Deceased Veteran monthly ceremony must have been honorably discharged, resided in Rensselaer County at some time during their lifetime before their passing. Families are asked to please submit the veteran’s DD-214. If no DD-214 is available, it can be requested by the county Veteran’s Service Agency office.
Along with participating in the Honor a Deceased Veteran ceremony, Walsh also was instrumental in establishing the Hall of Heroes in the third floor lobby of the County Office Building. The Hall honors county residents who have earned the Medal of Honor, along with those recognized at the Honor a Deceased Veteran ceremony.