On September 20, for the first time, the Offices of Veteran Affairs for Dutchess and Ulster Counties came together at the mid-point of the Walkway Over the Hudson to salute all Veterans for their service to the United States.

 

Mark Cozzupoli, Director of Veteran Services for Ulster County, said, “We’re here for one reason, to show appreciation to our veterans.” He introduced Sgt. Maj. Mary Kay Messenger, who sang the National Anthem followed by comments from Congressman Pat Ryan.

 

Ryan has two young boys, “and this is exactly the community that I am so proud that they’re growing up in.” He said the large turnout shows that, “you love our country, you appreciate our veterans and our military families, especially our Gold Star families. If this spirit were across the whole country right now I think we would be in a much, much better place. Thank you to everyone that made this happen and I am very, very confident that each year this is gonna build and grow and we can take more pride and appreciation in this. We’ve got folks in harm’s way right now, so may God protect our troops and God bless our great country.”

 

Jen Metzger, Ulster County Executive, said, “we are united here as a community to honor the brave men and women who serve our country, who have fought for our freedoms and who have sacrificed on our behalf.”

 

Metzger said this event has brought our communities together in a celebration of Veterans.

 

“Bridges represent connection and we gather here connecting with one another over this majestic Hudson River in our appreciation and incredible gratitude to our Veterans,” she said. “Together we ensure that the legacy of service and sacrifice of our Veterans is never forgotten.”

 

Dutchess County’s Director of Veteran Affairs, Adam Roche, reminded everyone, “that we honor not only honor those who fought in our nation’s wars, but all who took that solemn oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies as members of the Armed Forces.” He urged people to never forget the ‘patriots’ who died while serving the country, “or the 24 million other military Veterans who passed on since their service. But the beauty of tonight is that we take the time to remember and thank those who have defended us or stood ready to do so.”  

 

Sue Serino, Dutchess County Executive said, “Thank you are two little words that stand for honor, respect and gratitude and a lot of people have forgotten those two words. It is nice to see young people here today because this is your history that you need to know about. It is all about saying thank you and recognizing our heroes.”

 

Maj. Brian Ibbs, of the 105th Air Lift Wing, swore four local residents into the United States Air Force. He said swearing in these individuals marks a special moment in their lives.

 

“I would like to take a moment to recognize these young adults in our community for taking a step of courage to join the best Air Force the world has ever known,” he said.

 

Maj Ibbs administered the oath that asks the individuals to, “support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the state of New York against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same, that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the Governor of New York and the orders of the officers appointed over me according to law and regulation, so help me God.” Cozzupoli introduced the 42nd Infantry Band from Camp Smith who played a medley of the theme songs from each branch of the Armed Forces.  

 

Cozzupoli noted that September 20th is also the National Recognition day for POWs and MIAs.

 

“So we can’t let tonight go by without at least talking about that and remembering the fact that there are so many out there who were prisoners of war that made it home after suffering so much for their country. On top of that there are those still missing in action that never made it home and never truly got their heroes burial and recognition they deserve. We would be remiss to not hold that in our hearts right now and have a moment of silence.”

 

Sgt. Messenger sang ‘God Bless America,’ and concluded with the playing of Taps. A display of fireworks capped off the evening service.