Village of Walden honors its veterans

By Connor Linskey
Posted 11/13/19

The Village of Walden held a Veterans Day ceremony and brick dedication and rededication at Walden Veterans Memorial Park on Sunday.

Walden residents of all ages packed the park to watch the …

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Village of Walden honors its veterans

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The Village of Walden held a Veterans Day ceremony and brick dedication and rededication at Walden Veterans Memorial Park on Sunday.

Walden residents of all ages packed the park to watch the ceremony. Crossing guards had to help usher the large crowds of people to the event.

This ceremony featured the American Legion Post 0158, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2946, American Veterans Post 2946, Sons of American Veterans Squadron and the Valley Central High School JROTC as color guards. Those in attendance were grateful of the sacrifices that veterans have made.

“We wouldn’t have all the other holidays that we have in this nation if it wasn’t for you,” Mike Anagnostakis, Orange County Legislator, 17th District, said to the veterans in attendance. “Our very existence is really due to your service to this nation.”

Scouts of all ages were involved in the ceremony. Several Cub Scout packs and Boy Scout troops took the stage for a poem regarding the symbolism of the poppy flower. Patrick Primavera recited the war poem “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae. Girl Scout Unit 285 presented the poem “Veterans Day” by Cheryl Dyson.

Several songs were performed at the Veterans Day ceremony. The Valley Central High School PEP marching band played classics such as “America the Beautiful” and “Taps”. The Most Precious Blood Universal Pre-K and Kindergarten sang “Our Flag” and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Many veterans had bricks dedicated to them. This included Dylan Grossi, Mike Moran, Leo Orndorff, Michael Pajonk, G. Sapp, Robert French Starbuck, Everett VanOrden, Todd Wynkoop and Michael Anthony Zaccagnino. These brave men served in the Navy, Army, Coast Guard, Marines and Air Force.

In addition, several veterans were dedicated as a result of a project by the Sons of American Veterans. They have all been researched for recognition in the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor and now in the Walden Veterans Memorial Park. This group includes Richard Bendwig, Leo R. Decker, Herbert Ingersoll, James V. O’Neil, John A. Palmer, Robert A. Porter, Robert H. Richards, Howe Steinhilber, Russell W. Verity, Thomas W. Verity and Hiram E. Wooster. Each of these veterans fought in World War II.

Mike Anagnostakis and Walden Mayor Sue Rumbold discussed some of the challenges that veterans have. Some face homelessness, hunger and disrespect. Rumbold asked the audience to be thankful for our veterans.

“The debt we owe to our veterans will never be paid,” Rumbold said. “Remember our veterans every day. Thank them for their service.”