Gilbertsville Ceremony Honors Veterans at Butternut Valley Grange

By TERESA WINCHESTERGILBERTSVILLE

American Legion Post 1339 and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 1339 hosted a Veterans Day ceremony on Sunday, November 9 at the Butternut Valley Grange in Gilbertsville. Approximately 50 people attended. The tightly organized program with numerous components was presided over by Auxiliary President Anne Sebeck. It included, in part, advancement of colors by Boy Scout Troop 44, prayers by Legion Chaplain Norm Eastwood and presentations by Boys State representative Latham Retz and Girls State representatives Andrea Favinger and Mackenzie Marron. Girl Scouts presented those veterans present with cards of thanks and Reverend Randy Palada played patriotic and military songs on the harmonica.

Gilbertsville Mayor Aidan Woishnis read a seven-point proclamation, saying, among other things, that “the Village of Gilbertsville is home to veterans, Guard and Reserve members, and military families, and we also honor our Gold Star families, caregivers, and all who support those who serve.” The proclamation stated that “we remember with respect and sorrow those who never came home, including those who are still missing in action or unaccounted for.” He concluded by calling upon residents of Gilbertsville to thank a veteran, observe a moment of silence for the fallen and the missing, and to support veterans and their families “not only today, but throughout the year.”

The keynote speaker, retired Army Command Sgt. Major Gary Flaherty, who served in Vietnam and Korea and had a key role in creating an all-volunteer Army, echoed Woishnis’ call for ongoing support for veterans.

Currently serving as Oneonta Veterans Outreach Center chief administrator, Flaherty stated, “I can attest to you that, on a daily basis, I see veterans, widows and families in great need.”