Town of Newburgh honors Veterans

By Lina Wu
Posted 11/13/19

The Town of Newburgh held its annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Monday. During the ceremony, wreaths were set up in front of the town hall to honor veterans.

A brief introduction to the history of …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Town of Newburgh honors Veterans

Posted

The Town of Newburgh held its annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Monday. During the ceremony, wreaths were set up in front of the town hall to honor veterans.

A brief introduction to the history of Veteran’s Day was given by Town Supervisor Gil Piaquadio. Veterans Day was initially known as “Armistice Day.” The day was to celebrate the signing of the Armistice with Germany that ended the hostilities of World War 1. In 1954, the day was officially renamed Veterans Day.

“Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military Veterans,” said Piaquadio. “Memorial Day is remembering the men and women who died while serving. Please make your best effort to thank a veteran not just today, but every day. Please encourage our elected officials to give veterans the many benefits they deserve.”

The main speaker for the ceremony was Duanne Mickel, commander of the American Legion Post 1420. The American Legion is an organization that works to support veterans and their needs.

“You know, it’s my job as the commander of the post to get people involved,” said Mickel. “I need new people to get involved. American Legion has expanded its eligibility requirements. Anyone who was in the service from 1943 to whenever can join the American Legion.”

The ceremony was closed out by Jerrold P. Oser Sr., the Adjutant for Orange County’s American Legion. Oser Sr. spoke on the importance of recognizing the changing needs of veterans. Oser Sr. emphasized the need to support veterans of all identities.

“With the women that are getting out of the military,” said Oser Sr. “They have problems that a lot of us have never even ran into. As long as there’s a few of us that get out there and help them, that’s the most important. What I’m trying to pass onto all of you is whenever you see a veteran in need; it’s not just a few minutes of saying hello, I want to help you. It’s days, sometimes years of trying to get that veteran back on his feet.”