ELDRED, NY — Octogenarians with assistive walking devices, babies in the arms of their parents, retirees and full-time workers who briefly stepped away from their places of employment. These were some of the more than 100 citizens of the towns of Highland and Lumberland who gathered at Heroes Park in Eldred at 11 a.m. on November 11 to honor and remember those who have served in the military. Members of VFW Post 6427 and American Legion Post 1363 hosted the brief but poignant ceremony which was opened and closed with prayers for peace and unity, as well as blessings on those in uniform, past and present.

George Haas, Post 1363 Commander, gave the main address. Said he, “Veterans’ service has taught us… obedience to the laws we ourselves make—the voluntary discipline of good citizenship and honorable, humble leadership in service to all, be they public, private or volunteer endeavors.”

Further, “Our veterans are drawn from many generations and from many backgrounds. Some charged across great battlefields. Some fought on the high seas. Some patrolled the open skies. And all contributed to the character and to the greatness of America. This day is dedicated to all who answered the call to service—whether they live in honor among us, or sleep in valor beneath sacred ground. Through their sacrifice and their making, this nation is safer and more secure—and they have earned the proud title of veteran.”

Following a performance of Taps and the three-gun salute, the veterans were showered with handshakes, high-fives and hand-made thank-you cards provided by students from Mackenzie Elementary School and Boy Scouts from Troop 102.