VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION AT CV STARR

CW from Top Right: • The red, white, and blue of the American flag is presented to the guests by children at the school. • Faculty and students reflect on the sacrifices made by America’s veterans and pray for their safety. • Veterans gather in the school library Tuesday include (l-r) Roger Gross, Joe Becker, Carl Eckner, Robert Palmer, Debbie Pomales, Jeff Smith, Matt Fosella, and Art Hanley. • Guests stand at attention while saluting Old Glory. On Tuesday Veterans from World War II, Vietnam, the Cold War, and Bosnia, as well as Iraq and Afghanistan, visited the C.V. Starr Intermediate School in Brewster, where they were applauded and thanked for their efforts by students and staff alike.

The school conducted its annual Veterans’ Day ceremony that included the singing of patriotic songs, greetings from school administrators and gifts presented to the American heroes for use at area veterans’ hospitals.

The guests included Robert Palmer, 88, a 1939 graduate of the Brewster School District who served with the Army during World War II; Roger Gross, a member of the Brewster Board of Education and Southeast Town Board who served in Vietnam both with the Army and the Air Force; Arthur Hanley, past Brewster VFW Commander who served with the Army in Vietnam; Debbie Pomales, a Brewster School District employee who served with the Air Force in the Cold War; Matt Fosella, a retired Air Force member who served in Bosnia; and three young men currently serving today. Carl Eckner, a 2007 graduate of Brewster High School, is currently stationed in Hawaii after having served a tour of duty in Iraq, but will be deployed to Afghanistan in the next two weeks; Joe Becker, a 2003 graduate of BHS, who is in the Navy; and Jeff Smith, a 2003 graduate of Fox Lane High School, who reports next week for active duty with the Army in Iraq.

Palmer told the children that Veterans’ Day brought back many memories: "My father was a member of the military in World War I. I am most pleased that our governmental leaders decided not to buckle under pressure from the business and tourist world and have kept the day on November 11, not moving into to a weekend. This makes the day more meaningful."

Gross agreed that Veterans’ Day was an "important time to reflect on the sacrifices made in the past as well as current times. I think back on my days in Vietnam and my many friends who didn't come home. Our thoughts and prayers are with our troops fighting half way around the globe today. We wish for their safety and return to American soil."

Steve Mattson led the assembly in prayer. MICHAEL BRENDAN DOUGHERTY
Members of the Carmel High School football team attend a ceremony in downtown Carmel. ERIC GROSS ERIC
Karl Rohde, Sheriff Don Smith, and State Senator Vincent Leibell reflect on Veterans Day at a ceremony in Lake Carmel. GROSS ERIC GROSS
Wreaths are placed outside the VFW Hall at the county seat with the assistance of local scouts. ERIC GROSS
County Executive Robert Bondi and Legislator Richard Othmer place a wreath at a ceremony in Kent. ERIC GROSS
Residents of the Plaza at Clover Lake in Patterson enjoy ceremonies from inside a bus. Walt Hectwer, 85, a veteran of World War II enjoys the festivities with Dot Ellis. ERIC GROSS
Brewster Councilman Dick Honeck, Dennis Sant, and Councilman Roger Gross at Veteran’s Park MICHAEL BRENDAN DOUGHERTY