SCHUYLERVILLE, N.Y. — The Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery held a ceremony honoring veterans on Wednesday, ahead of the Veteran’s Day holiday.
The public ceremony, held at the cemetery’s flag pole site, included several presentations by representatives from patriotic groups and organizations throughout the area – all in honor of those who have served in the U.S. military.
Continuing a favorite annual tradition sponsored by the VFW of Stillwater, local students Finley Bornt, Lillian Lancto and Mia Andrus read their personal essays titled “What Veterans Day Means to Me.”
Additionally, the afternoon featured a POW/MIA tribute by Saratoga National Cemetery Support Committee John Mehan, a reading of the Gettysburg Address, patriotic songs by local musician Kelsie Dodd of Saratoga Springs, and ceremonial services by the National Cemetery Honor Guard, Color Guard and Rifle Team.
The program’s keynote speaker was Lt. Col. Jamie Cox, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate, 20-year Marine Corps Naval Aviator Veteran who flew attack helicopters in 117 combat missions with tours in Kuwait, Somalia, Haiti and Iraq. Cox has been recognized multiple times for valor in combat and is a Purple Heart recipient for wounds received in action in Fallujah, Iraq in 2004. Today, he serves as president and chief executive officer of United Way of Northern New York.
“Today’s veterans face a higher number of challenges than ever,” Cox shared with attendees gathered at the ceremony. “We have a higher unemployment rate. We’re faced with significant mental health issues, and our suicide rate is higher than the civilian population.”
On the occasion of Veterans Day, Cox reminded those in the crowd that veterans need support all year round. “Whether you’re giving them thanks or opportunity,” he said, “that’s all our veterans ask.”
The Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery’s director Scott Lamb spoke at Wednesday’s ceremony as well. “Today we are here to honor and commemorate the dead and the living, our fellow Americans, who in every war that this country was sent forth, have given testimony to their loyalty to their country and our shared American family,” Lamb said, also reminding attendees to do this not only on Veterans Day, but every day.
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November 11, 2021 at 04:51AM
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Veterans Day ceremony held at Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery - The Saratogian
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