By Mary Ellen Zangara Special Writer
Veterans Day ceremonies at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2290 on Sunday were a poignant reminder of the service that veterans have given, and continue to give, to the country.
”Today is the one day out of the year that we should proudly proclaim our status as an American veteran from the jungles of Vietnam to Afghanistan, from Bastogne to Baghdad, from Pork Chop Hill to the Persian Gulf,” Past Cmdr. Andy Henkel said. “Our veterans have borne the cost of America’s wars and have stood watch over America’s peace. For every single man and woman who has donned a United States military uniform, and by virtue of your service, today is your day to stand tall and be recognized.”
Mr. Henkel noted the day holds “meaningful significance to every veteran,” although the meaning may vary form veteran to veteran some will take time to remember someone killed in battle, or to reflect on their military service.
”But for all of us it remains a day to be proudly aware of the fact that when each and every one of us took an oath to defend and protect America, we upheld that oath with honor and decency,” he added.
Mr. Henkel’s comments began the solemn ceremony.
Following the speakers, the veterans honored local servicemen who have died in battle over the years. The ceremony included a makeshift soldiers’ memorial, signified by a pair of boots holding a rifle with a helmet balanced on top. Officers laid a wreath, flowers and a flag on the memorial.
As the names of local soldiers were read by Post Cmdr. Renny Dilts, a bell chimed for each. The ceremony closed with a bugler playing taps and a gun salute.
Prisoners of war were also honored at the event, with a table set up in remembrence.
Mr. Henkel noted the country honors the “contributions and sacrifices” of nearly 25 million veterans who have served in the military on Veterans Day, including the nearly 1 million troops deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan since 2001.
”A new generation is doing their utmost and in many cases giving their supreme all not for glory, not for honor but for future generations to follow,” he concluded. “We must take what we have learned in battle and in defending our country and apply it to the present and to the future.”
”That is the legacy of Veterans Day.”
Other speakers included Mayor Angelo Corradino, Assemblyman Peter Biondi, R-Hillsborough, Ladies Auxiliary VFW Past Department President and District 15 President Cathy Glen-Henkel, and Kathy Marshall, Ladies Auxiliary VFW Department Guard.
Ms. Marshall noted the holiday marks the end of fighting in World War I, known at the time as the “War to end all wars,” at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
”So today we honor all of our veterans, who unselfishly placed their lives on the line for our freedom,” she said. “Those men and women were ordinary people until they heard the call of duty and answered it. They fought to protect our country to maintain our way of life.”
She concluded by pointing out that Veterans Day isn’t “just a day for veterans.”
”It’s a day for all Americans; it’s a day to remember why they were fighting and a day for all of us to begin our journey of protecting our freedom and the freedom of many future generations,” she said. “Let us walk toward tomorrow still honoring them by living in the freedom they protected.”
Also attending the ceremony was Borough Councilman Steve Szabo and Boy Scouts from Troop and Pack 193, and their parents.

