Honoring Service To Our Country and Our Communities

By Senator Patty Ritchie
Fighting on the front lines in World War II. Serving in combat in Iraq.  Making daring rescues that saved the lives of their fellow service members.

These are just a few of the career highlights of the honorees recognized through this year’s Veterans Hall of Fame program, a special initiative that pays tribute not only to the sacrifices made by the men and women of our Armed Forces, but also to the contributions they have made to our local communities.

This year, I was humbled to recognize 36 veterans from throughout Jefferson, Oswego and St. Lawrence counties at a special ceremony I hosted at the Edick-Hamlink VFW Post 369 in Mexico, which featured a presentation by the 10th Mountain Division Color Guard and remarks by Colonel Donald Paquin, Commander, 10th  Mountain Division Artillery.

In addition, local students also played a role, with the Mexico High School Girls’ Select Choir singing the National Anthem and scouts from Boy Scout Troop 825 leading attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Living near Fort Drum and in a region that is home to a large number of veterans, we get the opportunity to see many who have fought in our Armed Forces wearing ribbons that signify highlights of their careers.

I know how meaningful these mementos of service are and that’s why I presented honorees with a special ribbon I had created for those who are part of my Veterans’ Hall of Fame.

The ribbons contain the colors of the New York State flag and it’s my hope that they will be a reminder to Hall of Fame members of how much we all appreciate their service to our nation and to our communities.

Not only did they answer the call to serve our nation, after leaving the Armed Forces, veterans honored recently continued to give back, taking on roles in their communities that helped them continue to make a difference.

What’s most remarkable though, is that they didn’t think they were doing anything special.

To the brave individuals who were honored, service is second nature, and the tremendous sacrifices they have made are seen as just duties that needed to be fulfilled.

I invite you to learn more about the 36 individuals named to my Veterans Hall of Fame this year by visiting my website, www.ritchie.nysenate.gov.

There, you’ll find biographies of each honoree, as well as more information on this special program.

A photo of the ribbon presented by Senator Ritchie to this year’s Veterans’ Hall of Fame honorees.

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