The pavilion in Crawford’s town park was full this past Veterans Day as residents came together to thank and honor those who have served.

Town of Crawford Police Chief Dominick Blasko directed the event, which he described as a “special day to honor the men and women who have served our great nation.” Of the speakers present was County Executive Steve Neuhaus, who is also Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserves. He mentioned how American troops go above and beyond, specifically noting what America has done for Ukraine.

“The Americans are the ones that are making it happen. No other country had the wherewithal to get anything done. The French had a 2 million man army back in the eighties. They have about 200,000 [now] and none of them have combat experience,” said Neuhaus. “This country leads the way.”

Neuhaus also notes that the United States is the best place to be. “ We believe in the American Flag. We believe in the values. I don’t know any other country that has people beating the door down to get into it like the United States, and that’s why you have such a great diverse military.”

Town Supervisor Charles E. Carnes noted that his son just passed the Sapper Leader Course for the Army. He also mentioned a veteran and friend of his who recently passed. “Each year we lose more and more of our vets. This year, we lost a friend of mine.”

Carnes also announced that New York State Senator James Skoufis provided the Town of Crawford with a $50,000 grant to build a new memorial at the park. “We’ll be working with Chief Blasko, volunteers, police, and all of the Town of Crawford employees. Hopefully next year at this time, we’ll be out in front of that brand new one,” said Carnes.

The Pine Bush High School principal and Army veteran Aaron Hopmayer also said a few words. “I spoke in front of thousands of people at the [Pine Bush] high school graduation and I’m more intimidated today to speak in front of my veteran colleagues,” said Hopmayer.

The event also featured music from the Pine Bush community band who played God Bless America, as well as a military medley.

Among those attending were also local police, firefighters, cub scouts, Veterans, state and town officials, American Legion members and current military officials.