|
|
|
Herkimer, N.Y. —
Folts Homes honored its veterans Thursday afternoon with a ceremony that recognized residents and staff members who had served in the military.
John Scarano, executive director of the Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce, served as master of ceremonies. Rich Monahan, of American Legion Crowley-Barnum Post No. 25, presented the colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Speakers included Charles “Sonny” Greco, who spoke on behalf of Gov. Andrew Cuomo, state Senator James Seward, state Assemblyman Marc Butler, Herkimer Mayor Mark Ainsworth and Herkimer County Veterans Committee Chairwoman Jean Maneen, along with Sarah Povondra, military and veterans affairs fellow from Congressman Richard Hanna’s office.
The Rev. Cathy Lee opened and closed the ceremonies with prayer and Sharon Palmer accompanied the singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America.”
“The debt we owe our veterans is one that can never be repaid,” said Greco, “but it is our duty and privilege to honor them.” He read a portion of Gov. Cuomo’s Veterans Day proclamation.
“We are here today only because of our veterans,” said Seward. He recalled the holiday was first known as Armistice Day in honor of those who fought in World War I, but in 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a law changing the holiday to Veterans Day, a day to honor all veterans.
Maneen told veterans about the county’s new program to thank veterans. The Return the FAVOR (Find and Assist Veterans of Record) program provides veterans with a veterans’ identification card which they may use to receive a discount from participating businesses. Maneen said more than 90 local businesses have signed up to participate.
Butler pointed out the United States has a military made up of citizen soldiers who serve their country and return to raise families and serve their communities. He and Seward presented a certificate to Scarano recognizing his service in the military as well as his service to the community.
Seward and Butler read the names of the veterans among the residents and staff. Among them were veterans of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and National Guard. After the ceremony, the veterans were presented with small American flags.
“Each year, we hold this celebration at Folts Homes to honor our resident and staff veterans,” said Folts Homes Administrator Fred Scerbo. “We know how important it is to recognize these contributions and courageous acts of these brave men and women who, at one time in their lives, put others above themselves for honor and pride of our country. This ceremony is our way to salute them, honor them and thank them for what they have unselfishly endured to give us all the gift of freedom.”
Folts Homes honored its veterans Thursday afternoon with a ceremony that recognized residents and staff members who had served in the military.
John Scarano, executive director of the Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce, served as master of ceremonies. Rich Monahan, of American Legion Crowley-Barnum Post No. 25, presented the colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Speakers included Charles “Sonny” Greco, who spoke on behalf of Gov. Andrew Cuomo, state Senator James Seward, state Assemblyman Marc Butler, Herkimer Mayor Mark Ainsworth and Herkimer County Veterans Committee Chairwoman Jean Maneen, along with Sarah Povondra, military and veterans affairs fellow from Congressman Richard Hanna’s office.
The Rev. Cathy Lee opened and closed the ceremonies with prayer and Sharon Palmer accompanied the singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America.”
“The debt we owe our veterans is one that can never be repaid,” said Greco, “but it is our duty and privilege to honor them.” He read a portion of Gov. Cuomo’s Veterans Day proclamation.
“We are here today only because of our veterans,” said Seward. He recalled the holiday was first known as Armistice Day in honor of those who fought in World War I, but in 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a law changing the holiday to Veterans Day, a day to honor all veterans.
Maneen told veterans about the county’s new program to thank veterans. The Return the FAVOR (Find and Assist Veterans of Record) program provides veterans with a veterans’ identification card which they may use to receive a discount from participating businesses. Maneen said more than 90 local businesses have signed up to participate.
Butler pointed out the United States has a military made up of citizen soldiers who serve their country and return to raise families and serve their communities. He and Seward presented a certificate to Scarano recognizing his service in the military as well as his service to the community.
Seward and Butler read the names of the veterans among the residents and staff. Among them were veterans of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and National Guard. After the ceremony, the veterans were presented with small American flags.
“Each year, we hold this celebration at Folts Homes to honor our resident and staff veterans,” said Folts Homes Administrator Fred Scerbo. “We know how important it is to recognize these contributions and courageous acts of these brave men and women who, at one time in their lives, put others above themselves for honor and pride of our country. This ceremony is our way to salute them, honor them and thank them for what they have unselfishly endured to give us all the gift of freedom.”
