NW Veterans Day speakers: 'Reach out to those who have served'

CHESTERTOWN | One of the largest crowds in recent years turned out for the North Warren Veterans Day ceremony, and they were offered some advice: express appreciation for those who have served our nation. Held Nov. 11 on the Chestertown's Veterans Memorial Plaza, the event was emceed by new American Legion Post 964 Commander Rob Hill. He and other area officials urged those attending never to forget the sacrifices of the men and women who served in the U.S. military. "Although military service is temporary, the legacy of that service can last generations, even centuries — the legacy of freedom that has spread across the globe." Noting that many soldiers struggle when they return home from combat — and that suicide among veterans nationally is at an all-time high — Hill urged people to greet veterans and share conversations with them. State Assemblyman Matt Simpson conveyed a similar theme in his speech. "Show our veterans the appreciation they so rightfully deserve when they return home," he said. Simpson said that military service was a selfless act. "We are so blessed to have our military men and women willing to risk their own lives to protect our freedoms and the foundations of our democracy," he said. "Our servicemen and servicewomen endure the physical dangers of war as well as the emotional toll of time away from family, missed holidays — and for some, the ultimate sacrifice is made. They put the needs of our country before their own, and we are forever indebted to them." Simpson concluded his speech by advising all to express appreciation to military personnel in a significant way. "If you want to thank a soldier, be the kind of American worth fighting for," he said. "Emulating America's core values of inclusivity, compassion, and freedom for all is the ultimate tribute to them." Hill presented several awards: one to Joanne Ellsworth for her 16 years as Commander of Legion Post 964, another to Barbara Slattery for her 38 years of service as an officer of the Legion Auxiliary, and to Joe Slattery for his 40 years as an officer of the Legion Post 964 as well as the countywide Legion organization. All three were applauded by the crowd. To open the ceremony, North Warren High School student Kirsten Librette sang the National Anthem, and Randy Cadwallader — minister of local Faith Bible Church —offered the invocation. Bearing flags for the service were Al Mundy, Frank Tucci, Roger Daby, Lou Little, Tim Little and Joe Slattery. The latter four fired a three-volley salute with their rifles in honor of departed soldiers, and Johnsburg Central School student Cole Sears played Taps. Sears is a member of the Chestertown-based Boy Scout Troop 30, which participated in the ceremony. Town of Chester Supervisor Craig Leggett urged people to connect with veterans, as he noted that the town has bathed its entrance nightly in green light as a gesture to hail their service. "We should honor and respect all those who have served or who are serving now," he said. "Operation Green Light brings home the point that we need to take care of all the veterans in our communities, especially those struggling — we need to reach out to them." Horicon Supervisor Sylvia Smith said that adults need to tell local children about veterans' service. "We need to keep the knowledge alive of what our veterans have done for us," she said.

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NW Veterans Day speakers: 'Reach out to those who have served'

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