Veterans got an early reminder Tuesday of just what their service to the United States Armed Forces means to their community.
Students at West Frankfort Elementary School welcomed veterans to their morning program, singing, waving flags and saying thank you in a variety of ways.
Family, friends and community members joined residents - both veterans and non-veterans alike - of Folts Homes, in Herkimer, for their own afternoon celebration; where they prayed, sang and honored those who served.
And for the men and women being recognized for defending their country, even the smallest gestures appeared to speak volumes.
Still holding a certificate of appreciation and commemorative hat, Doris Lewis, Folts Homes resident, was overwhelmed with emotion while trying to put into words the feelings evoked by the tribute.
“It kind of makes you sad. I was just glad to be part of it, and to do my part,” said Lewis, who served in the U.S. Navy in 1941 and 1942. “And I’d do it again if I could,” she added, with a smile.
As a show of their appreciation for the effort put into honoring veterans, the 10th Mountain Division Band, from Fort Drum, performed for the students at West Frankfort.
During a medley of military marches, Chief Warrant Officer 3 William McCulloch, director, took a moment to tell students that, in fact, the soldiers wanted to thank them for the show of support.
But at Folts Homes, Jean Maneen, county Adminstration/Veterans Affairs Committee chairperson, explained the obligation civilians have to veterans.
Reading from a poem, she said, “We owe veterans our gratitude, for they are the reason we are free.”
Frankfort-Herkimer —
