The members of the Veterans Day color guard varied in age. From left to right are Ed Flynn, Michael Kane, Tom Haughey, Vinnie Mannion and Nelson Oliveras.
The cheers at the end of the Commander’s speech were in sharp contrast to the polite applause that is often heard on Veterans Day.
“We need to serve veterans as well as they served us,” Peter Kurpeawski told the audience at the triangle.
Representing American Legion Post 353, he said that all that veterans expect is that people will hire them, visit them in hospitals, and contribute to the agencies that help them.
Many veterans are homeless. “We can do better than that,” the commander said. “We must do better…. But many seem intent on balancing the budget at the expense of veterans projects.”
Mr. Kurpeawski paid tribute to a pair of Cornwall residents, Col. John Hussey and Lt. Col. James Kane, who are on active duty in Afghanistan. He also presented a certificate to Cynthia Mendes, who helped publicize the Legion’s campaign for a Medal of Honor Memorial.
Supervisor Randy Clark cited the turnout for the recent election as a way of saying “thank you” to veterans. In an off year, many voters were apathetic. But almost 4,000 people showed up at the polls in Cornwall.
Mayor Brendan Coyne read a proclamation from Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney, and then thanked the Butterhill kids for not stealing his song.
The youngsters started the program with “It’s a Grand Old Flag,” so the Village’s chief executive was free to sing “God Bless America.”
Young people played an important role in the observance. Michael Kane was part of the color guard, and Tom Keller played “Taps.”
Tyler Dilello, Maddie Ferraro and Paul Mieswikel placed a wreath at the monument. When the ceremony was over Pastor Racite’s children approached Al Mazzocca. “Thank you for your service,” the youngsters said.
The World War II veteran smiled in appreciation.