|
|
![]() |
Saugerties Times - Featured Arts | 11/12/2009 |
|
| |
Service, Sacrifice and Honor
Saugerties marks Veterans Day |
|
|
| |
|
 |
|
| | Bagpiper Peigi Mulligan.
[ Heather Plonchak ] | |
|
|
by Heather Plonchak
Each Veterans Day, the Lamouree-Hackett Post 72 American Legion in Saugerties invites the community onto the Post grounds to honor those who have served in the various branches of the US military. Other veterans organizations and local Scouts are invited to join in the color guard during the brief ceremony, which features bagpipers and a 21-gun salute to those who have served.
"At 11 a.m., on November 11, 1918, an armistice was signed ending world war one," said Jim Gage. "The day was originally called Armistice Day. However, after World War Two, there were many new veterans who had little or no association with
World War One. Leaders of veterans groups such as the American Legion and VFW urged that the name be changed to honor all veterans. The name was changed to Veterans Day by an act of Congress on May 24, 1954."
At the opening of the ceremony, legionnaire William Payne led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Charles Marullo performed the National Anthem. Next, VFW commander Dominick Giarraputo and American Legion first vice commander Robert Fanelli lowered the flag to half staff, where it remained throughout the service.
Gage, who acted as master of ceremonies, then called upon local bagpiper Peigi Mulligan to play "Amazing Grace" while Cynthia Rinaldi, commander of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 72, carried a wreath across the grounds to be placed at the base of the veterans memorial standing in Colonel Roger Donlon Memorial Park. During a brief speech, Gage asked onlookers to support servicemen who are currently in service, stationed in various parts of the world.
"On this Veterans Day, let us reflect on the current deployment of our troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other hot spots around the world, wherever terrorists abide," said Gage. "Let us pray that they will soon return home. In the meantime, let us support them in the American tradition, regardless of our personal feelings or political persuasion ... There can be no more appropriate way of spending a portion of this day than to reflect on the service, the sacrifice, and the honor of those who have in the past, and continue today, to keep us free. It is time to say solemnly, 'Thanks and God speed.'"
Another Saugerties organization is doing just that. Operation SOS (Support our Servicemen and women) sent a shipment of 33 care packages to soldiers stationed overseas in recognition of Veterans Day. Operation SOS sends approximately 5 shipments per year to local soldiers on active duty. The organization will also host a Veterans breakfast on November 15 at the Saugerties Elks Lodge, 3232 Route 32 North, in Saugerties. Admission is $8, or $3 for children under 12, and veterans are welcome to eat at no charge.
The ceremonies at the American Legion were closed with a 21-gun salute by the Post 72 Honor Guard, and the playing of Taps by bugler Robert Quirk. All those in attendance were then invited into the post home for refreshments and guided tours of the American Legion Post 72 War Museum.
Click here to discuss this article in our forum.
|
|
|
|
|
© 2010 Ulster Publishing, Inc.
|
