Friday I attended a very nice Veterans Event in Ilion, NY. Names were being added to the wall in the Town Hall’s Veterans Memorial Auditorium. I got there early and walked around looking at the large number of names, all residents of Ilion who had served in the armed forces.
Only part of the veterans honored.
The names are grouped by wars, and there is a section for peacetime veterans as well. There is even a Civil War veteran on the back wall of the stage.
The oldest one.
Ilion Mayor John P. Stephens welcomed a gathering of over 70 people, including veterans as well as their families and friends. After thanking all veterans, past and present for their service and reiterating how proud Ilion can be of how many of its residents have answered the call to service over the years, Mayor Stephens read the names to be added, asking any who were present to stand.
Mayor Stephens
All those attending gave a warm ovation to these veterans. Stephens then asked any other veterans present to stand, and they were applauded as well.
After the ceremony, many spent some time walking around the auditorium, reading names and taking pictures. It was a short but heartfelt occasion. I got into a conversation with one couple taking pictures of their son’s name. I asked for a picture of them, and they graciously agreed.
They had good reason to be proud.
Mohawk Valley Girl 