by David Flint
In the past three years the observance of Veterans Day in Stephentown has focused on World War II, then the Korean War and last year the Vietnam era. This year the Veterans of Stephentown decided to select for special recognition the Peacetime Veterans.
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Larry Holder, acting as MC, led the pledge of allegiance on a sunny but blustery cold Saturday, November 7, at the Veterans Park. Rev. John Close followed with an opening prayer. The Star Spangled Banner was sung by Holder and Laurelyn Mayen. Holder read a letter of congratulations and gratitude to veterans from Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. Wreaths were placed at the Veterans Monument by Matt Zema and Al Sicely to the singing of “God Bless America.” The flags were raised by veterans Vince Devlin, Doug Mayen and John and Phyllis DeFreest, with Derek and Jackson Burhans playing taps.
John DeFreest, President of the Veterans of the Stephentown Area, welcomed everyone attending as well as the special invited guests that included Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin, County Executive Kathy Jimino, County Legislature Chairman Stan Brownell, County Veterans Services Agency Director Peter Goebel and Dan Casale from State Senator Kathleen Marchione’s office.
DeFreest recalled how in a recent conversation one veteran spoke of himself as just a “tweener soldier”, having served in between wars. Another said his service had only been in Germany in the “Just-in-Case Army”, i.e. just in case there was an emergency. So the Veterans this year wanted to recognize these peacetime soldiers. “They never had to shoot anyone, never got shot at,” DeFreest said, “but they held the line against the unknown, the unexpected. Their contribution was every bit as great and thanks are due to them and to their families for doing their part to protect freedom.”
Goebel noted that Veterans Day is the only American holiday created to remember a specific moment in time, the 11th hour of the11th day of the 11th month in 1918 marking the end of hostilities of the Great War, now known as World War I. In1954 it was designated by President Eisenhower as a day to pay proper homage to all our veterans for their hardships and sacrifices in defending our land in war and peace. “America,” Goebel said, “is the land of the free because she is the home of the brave – she will remain the land of the free only as long as she remains the home of the brave.”
Brownell noted that his own daughter, stationed with the U.S. Air Force in Burlington, had just recently sewn on Master Sergeant’s stripes. He said he was proud of her and proud of all those who serve whether in peace time or in war time. The families that support them too, he said, should not be forgotten.
McLaughlin too has a son who will be leaving soon for basic training in the Air National Guard. McLaughlin said he had also heard veterans saying they didn’t do much because they hadn’t served during war time. “But keeping the peace around the world is just as important as serving during a time of conflict,” he said, “and, quite frankly, I think it’s probably the wish and dream of every soldier to serve during peace time.”
Casale noted that Senator Marchione has recently been appointed to the Veterans Committee of the State Senate. He read a letter from the Senator in which she affirmed that our freedom has been paid for by veterans and soldiers and their families “in blood, sweat and tears and many sleepless nights.”
Jimino thought it very appropriate to be celebrating especially those who served during peace time. We have achieved this peace, she said, either by force or by a show of force. “The role of peace time veterans,” she said, “is absolutely critical in maintaining peace – those who set their lives aside to go and serve – who put their dreams and ambitions aside for a time, serving their country.” Jimino said thanks are due also to family members. It is critical to have strong families behind the military. “It can be a real stressor,” she said, “to keep the home front going.”
Following the ceremonies and speeches at the Veterans Park, all were invited to the Fire Hall on Grange Hall Road for some socializing and a fine meal catered by the Towne Tavern. The Cub Scouts of Pack 911 showed their appreciation for the veterans by again doing a great job of serving and cleaning up.[/private]