Event highlighted by the participation of community children
Last Thursday’s Veterans Day ceremony in Highland Falls was exceptional in several ways, but perhaps the most exceptional part was the amount of participation by the community’s youth.
From the uniformed O’Neill High School JROTC students who lined the room; to the O’Neill Select Chorus students who sang the National Anthem; to the Boy Scouts who led the Pledge of Allegiance; to individual high schoolers who had roles in the ceremony, there were children everywhere inside the Highland Falls Fire House.
Additionally, following the ceremony, veterans were invited to take home patriotic holiday ornaments made by high schoolers. Daisy Troop 126 provided cookies for the ceremony. Luke Haley played Taps on his trumpet. Ricky Fregoso read the poem ‘Flanders Field’. Samantha Reeves read a Veterans Day proclamation from Senator James Skoufis. JROTC cadet Alex James joined representatives of the American Legion Auxiliary and other civic, service and governmental organizations laying wreaths at the Memorial Park monument.
And, there were some children in the audience.
The presence of all the youth only made the day better. The ceremony was hosted by American Legion Post 633 Commander John Flynn, and featured remarks from West Point Command Sergeant Major Rusty Lane, and West Point Law Professor Col. Winston Williams.
Looking out at the many students, Lane spoke about not only the service that American soldiers provided to the country while they were in the military, but also once they are out.
“It’s your duty to keep sharing your experiences as soldiers,” he said. “Share the story of your service with your kids, your grandkids and your neighbors. Most people have no idea what the military is all about, other than what Hollywood tells them. And, I would say, nine times out of ten, that’s not accurate.”
To the students, he noted that even if they don’t join the military, they need to find something to do to better the world and help “keep America on the right track”.
When he spoke, Williams called America’s all volunteer Army one of the nation’s few national treasures.
The Alabama native spoke about the fears he had as a young man who joined the Army, but said it is the people he has served with for the past 23 years who have and continue to inspire him.
“The Army has taken me to a lot of places and I have learned a lot about our country,” he said. He explained why it is important for communities across the country to continue to honor its soldiers on Veterans Day.
“Only about one percent of American residents currently serve in the U.S. Military,” he said. “They are soldiers for life and will inspire the next generation to serve. As soldiers transition out of the military they bring unique skills into our communities.”
Williams took a few minutes to talk about what has inspired him as an Army officer, and noted that one of those things was recently-deceased Gen. Colin Powell’s book ‘My American Journey’.
“His words helped me become an Army leader and his example helped me to become a role model,” Williams said.
He also said his grandfather, who served in the Army, also inspired him.
As the ceremony opened, Flynn asked all veterans in attendance to stand — they were given a loud ovation.
Pastor Rob Carter provided both the invocation and benediction. He asked God to protect those who work to defend this country, as well as offered thanks to all who came out in support of veterans that day.
