On a warm November afternoon, Walden residents gathered at a hillside overlooking the Wallkill River to say thank you.

The annual Veterans Day and Brick Dedication Ceremony, Sunday, was an opportunity to honor all who served in the armed forces of the Unites States - past and present, living and deceased. Master of Ceremonies Bobby Montanaro said it was a time to thank everyone for their service in war and in peacetime and everyone who gave “a blank check to everyone standing in this crowd.”

Montanaro, a sergeant in the Walden Police Department and a retired U.S. Marine Sergeant, noted that American Veterans represent all races and ethnic groups.

“Some are famous,” he said, “most are ordinary, just like me.”

Montanaro paid special tribute to four veterans at the ceremony.

Dave Penney, normally a fixture at Veterans Day and Memorial Day ceremonies was unable to be there Sunday because of his heath. Penney earned a Bronze Star while serving in Vietnam and has been active in Walden’s Veteran activities for more than 25 years.

“I wish he could be here today and I wish him good health in the future, He’s the commander of our VFW here in Walden Post 2946 and he’s my uncle,” Montanaro said. “So thank you Uncle Dave.”

Vernon “Butch” Spencer had the distinction of serving in two branches of the armed forces, beginning with the Marine Corps, and eventually retiring as a First Sgt. from the Army. He volunteered his time and service to create the Veteran’s Memorial Park, pouring concrete and laying many of the bricks placed to honor veterans.
“He’s a man of many good deeds,” Montanaro said.

Walden Village Trustree Brian Sebring, an Air Force Veteran, was there. Montanaro said Sebring spent untold hours making sure the community is safe and well looked after.

“He’s a true friend of the community and he’s been a member of this committee for a very long time,” he said. “Thank you Brian.”

Jack Greene was a longtime American Legion member prior to his death in 2019 .He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean conflict and will be “greatly missed.”

The ceremony also featured music by the Valley Central Pep Band, under the direction of Daniel Walker, and an appearance by the Valley Central Jr. ROTC color guard and several scout groups.

Former Mayor and Current Village Trustee Becky Pearson and Nathaniel Winum dedicated the newest bricks in the garden at Veterans Memorial Park. They were purchased by family members to honor those who served in the U.S. Military.

The newest members are: Franklin S. Bishop, Kenneth Blake, John B. Cameron, Milton Eager, William “Bill” Earl, Ronald Feller, James Finn, James M. Finn, Joseph W. Finn Sr, Joseph W. Finn Jr., James . Hall Jr., Peter W. Hall Sr, Harold C. Linnemann, Bernard Lubitz Sr, Edwin Lugo, Brendan McNamee, John H. Olsen Jr., John H. Olsen Sr, Helen Stohr Piddock, James M. Smith, Edward C. Stoehr, John “Jack” Thompson, Peggy Van Duyne, Donald Boyd Wetherington, Terry Williams and Arthur W. Yerks.

A brick was also dedicated to recognize the United States Space Force, the newest branch of the military. It was established December 2, 2019.