Bethel Veterans Day Ceremony

  KAUNEONGA LAKE – Veterans, local and state officials, and members of the public gathered at Veterans Park in Kauneonga Lake on Wednesday, Nov. 11, for a Veterans Day ceremony emphasizing the bonds forged through military service and the responsibility to honor those who served.

The ceremony, hosted by VFW Post 5499, included prayers, a moment of silence for prisoners of war and those missing in action, and recognition of local officials and volunteers.

Navy veteran Joe Collura, a senior chief petty officer, reflected on the community veterans find among one another.

“To myself and many other veterans, Veterans Day is really Survivor’s Day,” Collura said.

He described experiences that connect veterans across generations, from crowded barracks and exhausting marches to fear in combat and the difficulty of adjusting to life at home. Those memories, he said, leave lasting marks regardless of where or when a person served.

“What matters to me is that they stood up to be counted,” he said.

Assemblywoman Paula Kay urged residents and lawmakers to honor veterans through action, citing health care, mental health services and access to benefits.

“We owe veterans more than ceremony. We owe you opportunity, dignity, and care,” Kay said.

Town Supervisor Daniel Sturm thanked veterans and recognized the sacrifices of their families, saying their service helped shape the Bethel community.

Collura closed with a plea to preserve the country veterans served, “This beauty, this tranquility and this union. We have sacrificed much to preserve this,” he said, “Please, please don’t squander this.”

Eldred Veterans Day Ceremony

ELDRED – The Tusten-Highland-Lumberland VFW Post 6427 and the Sylvan-Liebla American Legion Post 1363 held a Veterans Day service at Heroes Park on November 11 in Eldred, in honor of all veterans.

“Today we honor our veterans that are here, our veterans that served, and our veterans that gave the ultimate sacrifice,” said Post 6427 Commander Peter D. Carmeci, Sr., who hosted the service. He then introduced Reverend Nancy Vonderhorst, who led the 50-person gathering at Heroes Park in prayer.

Carmeci then recited the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a spirited rendition of the National Anthem.

“Today on Veterans Day across this great nation, and throughout the world, Americans will pause this Wednesday to honor our brave fighting men and women of more than 250 years to keep us a free nation,” said Carmeci. “We recognize that all veterans have given something of themselves to country by being in the armed forces defending our freedom we hold so dear.”

Carmeci reminded the crowd to be grateful for those American soldiers who stood guard in peace time, in combat, and for those who gave their lives. “Veterans Day is every day, not just today,” concluded Carmeci. “If you see a veteran, thank them, because without our veterans we wouldn’t be a free country.”

VSA honors veterans at Government Center

MONTICELLO — There was an air of reverence and remembrance in the Legislative Hearing Room Wednesday morning as veterans, their families, county officials and community members gathered to honor those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. However, the greater message of the morning was the importance of recognizing veterans beyond this designated day of recognition.

The celebration, hosted by the Sullivan County Veterans Service Agency (VSA), brought together many from the community, with VSA Director Stephen Walsh thanking those in attendance. The gathering included local officials, residents, clergy, first responders and veterans alike. The ceremony also featured the presentation of colors by Girl Scout Pack 101 and Boy Scout Troop 101, the Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem and an invocation by Pastor Seth of Restoration Church.

Delivering the keynote address was Staff Sergeant Douglas Sandberg, host of Let’s Talk Vets on Catskill News Talk Radio and, most importantly, a U.S. Air Force veteran. Sandberg emphasized that attendees shouldn’t simply thank veterans for their service, but also ask how they can help.

He implored the community to support veterans’ access to healthcare, education, employment and other earned benefits, while also preserving their stories. He highlighted the very real struggles many face when returning to civilian life.

“Patriotism is more than words or feelings. It should be a way of life,” Sandberg stressed, reminding residents to stay active in their communities and exercise their civic responsibilities, including voting.

Walsh concluded the ceremony by thanking staff and county leadership for their ongoing support of veterans and their families.

“We have never asked for help and gotten the answer no,” Walsh stated, noting that efforts to aid veterans, their children and surviving spouses were made possible through the county’s leadership and the community.