BETHEL, NY — A sizable crowd gathered at Veterans Park in Kauneonga Lake on Thursday, November 11 to salute veterans and their loved ones.

Following traditional protocols, Bethel Town Supervisor Daniel Sturm said a few words, along with Sullivan County Court Judge Jim Ferrell, who addressed those in attendance with these words:

“On the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day of the 11th month, we pause to honor each and every veteran of our armed services. Without Veterans Day, which honors all of our veterans who made it back from the war—and Memorial Day, which honors those lost in service—no other holidays would exist. Indeed, our country would not exist."

"So it is with eternal thanks that we honor all generations of military patriots, those who have honored their sacred oath: to support and defend the liberty and freedoms enshrined in our constitution against all enemies, both foreign and domestic, by serving as soldiers, sailors airmen, marines, and coast guardsmen in the US armed services."

"It’s the veteran who gives us the right to free speech. These men—these women,” Ferrell said, pointing out vets in the crowd. “It’s the veteran who gives us the right to peacefully assemble. It’s the veteran who gives us the right to possess and bear arms in self-defense. It’s the veteran who gives us the right to a fair trial. Indeed, it’s the veteran who gives us each and every one of those rights that’s enshrined in the constitution. They gave it to us, and they have continued to ensure that we have had those rights for over two hundred and thirty-four years. May God bless them all, and may God bless America.”

New York State Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther followed Ferrell with thoughtful words as well.

“It’s customary on Veterans Day to thank our veterans for their service to our nation,” Gunther said, after acknowledging those in attendance. “Ironically, most of the veterans I know will tell you that they don’t want to be thanked for anything.” 

Addressing local concerns, Gunther shared some of her thoughts and concerns: “In my experience, if you want to thank a veteran—hire one. Veterans have an unemployment population ratio of less than fifty percent. A lack of meaningful work not only carries economic consequences, but can impact psychological and physical wellbeing."

"If you want to thank a veteran, consider volunteering at the Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless, or another similar organization," Gunther suggested. "If you aren’t sure how to reach these organizations, stop by my district."