A Tribute to Veterans

In Mahopac, a parade highlights a Veterans Day ceremony. There were commemorations throughout Putnam, in Carmel, Kent, Brewster, Patterson, Putnam Valley, and Philipstown. Eric Gross Patriotism is alive and well in Putnam County.

Large gatherings were held on Wednesday in communities from Carmel to Cold Spring as people stopped to reflect on the many sacrifices made by American troops both past and present during Veterans Day ceremonies.

Former New York State VFW Commander Karl Rohde of Lake Carmel reflected on a man who told him a few days ago that he had terminal cancer. “The man stopped me on the street and thanked me for ‘what you do for veterans!’ I looked up at this gentleman who I had only met that day, who had tears coming from his eyes. This is what being a veteran means to me. I will continue to help and serve ‘til the day I die. Remember to thank a veteran for the service he does day in and day out.”

State Senator Vincent Leibell, choked with emotion, called on all Americans to “never forget and always remember those brave men and women who may have made the supreme sacrifice or who have come home scared for life.”

Sheriff Donald Smith, a retired brigadier general in the U.S. Army, was also deeply moved when he asked gatherings in Lake Carmel and Putnam Valley to reflect on Ft. Hood, Texas: “Fort Hood was my last duty assignment as I retired from the great First Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas. On this Veterans’ Day, not only the Army family, but the entire military family, as well as the hearts of the people of Putnam County, go out to those in Texas.”