By Taylor Sterling
Last week was spent covering numerous Veterans Day ceremonies starting with the Orange County Executive, Steve Neuhaus (also a Commander in the US Navy Reserves who has been deployed to the Middle East and other stations overseas) visiting the Schervier Pavilion in Warwick after he met with Veterans in Port Jervis. Accompanied by Dr. Mary Leahy, the CEO of Bon Secours Charity Health Systems (a member of the WMC Health Systems). Neuhaus spent quality time with the Veterans, one in particular who was a military historian as is the Orange County Executive. The exchange was a history lesson for all to hear.
The next day I was with Congressman Pat Ryan at The Purple Heart Hall of Honor in New Windsor as he honored a highly decorated World War II Veteran, Alfred Frakes, who was given the rank of 1st Lt. by President Truman upon his discharge. Sadly, Alfred had passed so his son, George Frakes was there to accept the medals (see photo) that his father had not received prior to his passing. It was an emotional and heartfelt day. Following the presentation, Congressman Ryan and George made their way into the hall and Congressman Ryan looked up his grandfather on the computer file and there he was. So exciting. Then George followed and located his father with his photo in the files. If you or your family, children especially, have not been to visit the Purple Heart Hall of Honor I implore you to move among the real heroes and pay homage to those who sacrificed so much so we may live our lives in freedom with our families. From there I was with the Congressman at the Maybrook VFW to honor another family whose father had served in WWII as well. His grandson was in attendance who is a 16-year veteran of the Air Force.
The next day I was with the incredible Nam Knights as we visited and broke bread with Veterans at the PAL, Polish American Legion in Pine Island. There were 3 generations of women assisting as they had done for years. Grandmother, her two daughters and her granddaughter. From there the Nam Knights and I headed out to Goshen to cover the ceremony honoring those who served which was attended by Mayor Molly O’Donnell and former Supervisor of the Town of Goshen, Doug Bloomfield, a VietNam Veteran. It was a very brisk and cold day but that did not deter any of the crowd as we watched the color guard and listened intently to those sharing incredible stories of bravery in the worst of times.
In my pocket, as always, was my daddy’s Purple Heart. My hero who gave so much to so many. They are all heroes. In these times, let us remember why we live in the greatest country in the world and remember those who fought and sacrificed so much, some with their lives. Remember them not only for Veteran’s Day, but every day! AMERICA! Let’s respect our nation and those who came before us so we may reap the benefits of their sacrifices. REMEMBER!
