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| A Moment of Silence at the War Memorial |
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| Andy Maroney at the Memorial. |
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| Color Guard at the Veterans Day Ceremony, 2012. |
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| NYMA band at the Veterans Day Ceremony, 2012. |
November 17, 2012
The annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony was held this year at the traditional time of 11 a.m. on November 11th at the War Memorial across from the Cornwall Town Hall.
The new American Legion Post 353 Commander, Peter Kurpeawski hosted the ceremony for the first time and included cadets and faculty from the New York Military Academy.
The NYMA band played the Star Spangled Banner. Town Supervisor Kevin Quigley addressed the crowd and thanked the American Legion for hosting the ceremony.
Village Mayor Brendan Coyne led the crowd in the singing of “God Bless America” and County Legislator Kevin Hines spoke about The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor in New Windsor which was having a Veteran’s day celebration. He reminded the crowd how close it is and that we should visit. He also said, “The theme of day is to find a veteran and thank them.”
The NYMA band played and the cadets fired a gun salute to deceased veterans. NYMA Superintendent Major Jeffrey Coverdale spoke and quoted George Washington who said, "The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation."
Peter Kurpeawski introduced some of the men serving as the color guards for the ceremony: PFC Kevin Kukkonen who recently returned from Afghanistan and Master of Arms Jeremy Ascencio, who recently went for military police training. He also introduced Raymond Mellin who greeted the crowd. Mellin was a POW during the Korean War.
Mr. Kurpeawski’s speech spotlighted the issues of unemployment and homelessness amongst veterans. He said, “Part of the sacrifice too often includes unemployment or underemployment when the Veteran’s military service is over. Companies should understand that it is smart business to hire Veterans and when members of the guard and reserve deploy, it is America’s business to ensure that their civilian careers do not suffer. We must also not forget the unique needs of women veterans, there are more than 1.2 million women in America today who have worn a uniform. Women are major contributors to our military presence in Afghanistan and many have given their lives in the global war on terrorism. Currently today, one in four American homeless populations are veterans, nine out of ten were honorably discharged and nearly half served in the Vietnam War.”
Kurpeawski also said, “Many veterans move into jobs of service in our country and provide the vital services that enable our communities to function and when an emergency hits, there is a good chance that it is a veteran that is a first responder.” He then thanked all veterans for their selfless service.
The wreaths were then laid in place in front of the monument by Cornwall Town Police Chief Todd Hazard and Village Police Chief Steve Dixon. Veteran Andy Maroney from the American Legion laid the next wreath and Master Sargeant Abby Meyer played taps.
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