by Doug La Rocque
It was a very cold, blustery day for the annual Stephentown Veterans Ceremony in Veterans Park on Saturday, November 10. That did not stop area dignitaries, veterans, the Berlin Elementary School Band and lots of area folks who came to once again pay tribute to the men and women who have served, and are serving, their country here and abroad.
Once again, Stephentown Supervisor Larry Eckhardt was one of the keynote speakers, and he touched upon the importance of remembering all those who gave so much for freedom. He told a story about another group who sacrificed in World War I, sometimes called “The Great War.” It came to him from an elderly friend long ago, who served in that war, though never went overseas. It was his job to train and handle horses and mules, who were also so much a part of the conflict. He noted he cried each time he loaded them on a ship, knowing full well they too might never come home. Part of the day’s ceremonies marked the 100th Anniversary of the Armistice that brought an end to the conflict on November 11, 1918.
The ceremony, as usual, was highlighted by the placing of the wreath in front of the Stephentown Memorial Wall, with the Berlin Band and the unique harmonics of Stephentown resident Paul Raider’s bagpipe, producing a sound that stirred fond memories or emotions from deep down in one’s innermost being.