Nov. 15, 2011 Veterans Day Seventh grader Michael Ramsey is a member of the Armonk Boy Scout Troop 94. He was among a group of Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts who retired the American flags during Armonk's American Legion Post 1097 Veterans Day ceremony.
Ramsey described the honorable way to put a torn American flag to rest: "First, you cut away the blue field of stars that represents bravery. Then you tear away the 13 red and white stripes that represent the first United States colonies." The pieces, as well as the smaller flags, are burned. Ramsey said he liked the ceremony because it was a respectful way to retire our flags. It also demonstrated respect for the country, he added. "It shows respect for being an American. Burning an American flag is not to be looked at regretfully, but rather, as joyously; it means another flag will shine in its place."
Armonk's American Legion Post 1097 Veterans Day ceremony.
Master of ceremony: "I am your Flag. I appear in many places. I have taken many forms and been called many names. I was authorized by congress in 1818 in the form you see now and have remained unchanged except to add a new star each July 4th after a new state joined the union until I reached my present number of 50."
"I am more than just red, white and blue cloth shaped into a design. I am a silent sentinel of freedom. People of every country in the world know me on sight. Many countries love me as you do. Other countries look at me with contempt because they don't allow the freedom of Democracy that I represent -- but country looks on me with respect. I am strong and the people of America have made me strong. My strength comes from your willingness to give help to those who are in need. You strive for world peace yet stand ready to fight oppression. You send resources and offer technology to less fortunate countries so they may strive to become self-sufficient. You feed starving children. You offer a home to anyone who will pledge allegiance to me."
"Your sons gather beneath me to offer their lives on the battlefields, to preserve the Liberty I represent. That's why I love the American people. That's why I have flown so proudly."
"Scouts and their families are some of my favorite people. I listen to your patriotic songs. I'm there at your flag ceremonies and I appreciate the tender care you give me. I feel the love when you say your pledge. I notice that your hand covers your heart when I am on parade. How smartly you salute as I pass by and I ripple with pleasure when I see it."
"Now I am tired and it's time for me to rest in the Sacred Flames of your campfire. My colors are faded and my cloth is tattered but my spirit remains unbroken. To set my spirit loose, first cut the blue field away from my stripes."
"Tear each of my 13 stripes and lay it on the fire, one at a time. As you do this, think about the 13 original colonies and the pioneers who carved a nation out of a wilderness. They risked everything to fight for the Independence which we enjoy today."
"My first state was Virginia, then Massachusetts, then New York, Maryland, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Delaware, North Carolina, South Carolina, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and finally Georgia."
"As you cut and rip me apart and watch me burn, do not be sad or feel sorry for me. I have had the great Honor of being your flag of the United Stated of America and the Republic for which I stand, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all."
"When my stripes are gone, kiss the blue field and lay it across the fire. Then stand silently as you watch each star twinkle and fade into ashes."
"Now I am just a memory, but if there is a tear in your eye or a lump in your throat; if you felt a shiver in your spine as you watched me burn, then I will be back the next time you need me and my colors will be fresh and bright and my edges won't be ragged anymore. When I climb to the top of the flagpole, I'll wave at you and remember the love and respect that you have showed me here tonight."
"And now Scouts, families, Citizens - Good night."
8th Army Air Force B17 Bomber crew. Est Date--July 1944--Hells Angels Airdrome- Molesworth, England
A Grandfather's Letter to His Grandchild on Veterans Day
Nov. 8, 2011 All of us who were in the service remember so clearly how important mail from home was. The culture shock is so dramatically different. Yeah, you make a few friends but you feel so alone not knowing what's gonna happen to you next. Your whole life changes--24/7. You're too embarrassed to talk about it. You hope you can handle the surprises. We were literally kids with straw behind our ears when we went into uniform...at 18. But--the more things change--the more they stay the same.
Dear Overworked Boot:
Delighted to hear that you’ve gotten to the stage that you feel some of the drill is fun. That says you’ve gotten over the worst part—and know you can handle whatever they throw at you.
You may be surprised at how much you’re going to really enjoy becoming a member of a Close Order Drill team. It’s corny but it’s true. When you’re all good at it-it proves you have to work as a team. That Team principle is probably 50% of being in the armed forces. It was certainly true for our 10 man bomber crews. We never got to the rifle swinging routines-as you probably will.
I assume you have at least half your day spent in classrooms. Seems like you have to learn a lot of basics in too short a time frame. My brother went through Infantry Officer Candidate Schools (OCS)—after he’d been in regular Army for a year. He felt his OCS Training was too surfacey. Once he passed he volunteered and went through Combat Paratrooper school…just like a buck private. Then off to Korea..to jump into frozen Mts & Red Chinese machine guns. Promoted to Artillery Recon in tiny Piper Cubs spotting the enemy positions while in valleys between us & them. Finally got promoted to Public Relations where he went back & forth to Japan to shepherd USO/Movie/TV Entertainers to Korea to entertain our Troops.
My brother would have been proud of what you’re doing. He would have been the only one in our family who went through what you’re doing—and could empathize with every phase of your training. I guess all OCSs are more alike than not–at least in the basics. Importance of team –team –team and rational leadership. He ended up as a First Lt.
Many older people asked us why we enlisted. Today commemorates one of the two reasons we did. First reason was obvious—our country was in wars and we felt we had to do our share in the Military Service we preferred. The other is celebrated today—Election Day. We felt that it’s the one single thing that makes our possible sacrifice worthwhile—protecting our privilege to vote politicians in or out. Everything else came second.
You have your heartfelt reasons why you enlisted. It may get complicated to explain. Our world was more black & white-much simpler. But the fact that you’ve done it is proof you’re a Patriot above and beyond the call. We love you and respect you. We brag about you to all our peers-most of whom grew up in that simpler world.
Stay well and keep your wry sense of humor..you’ll need it..
CASTELLI LAUDS GOVERNOR’S “EXPERIENCE COUNTS” CAMPAIGN TO HELP RETURNING VETS QUALIFY FOR JOBS
Nov. 11, 2011 Assemblyman Robert J. Castelli (R, C – Goldens Bridge) applauded Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today when he announced the launch of a new four part initiative that will help ensure that veterans’ valuable and specialized military experience is recognized as they transition to the civilian workforce.
The initiative, dubbed the “Experience Counts” campaign, mirrors four pieces of legislation originally drafted and introduced by Castelli, which will facilitate the transfer of military skills to the public and private sectors. “As we pause to remember our veterans on November 11th, this is a small way to say thank you for their service and their sacrifice,” Castelli said.
“As our veterans return home to New York, we must do everything within our power to ease their transition back into civilian life,” Governor Cuomo said. “That is precisely what the ‘Experience Counts’ campaign and the newly revitalized Council on Returning Veterans and Their Families have been set up to accomplish. With this campaign, we can give veterans the credit they deserve for their military training and ensure that the state government works efficiently and effectively on their behalf.”
As a first step in the “Experience Counts” campaign, the Governor launched a series of reforms to state licensing and higher education that will ensure military experience is appropriately credited when service members return to civilian life:
•The State University of New York (SUNY) and the City University of New York (CUNY) will launch programs to improve their processes for awarding credit for military training, similar to Castelli’s legislation which allows the granting of academic credit to veterans at state institutions (Assembly Bill A1335); •The Department of Motor Vehicles will make it easier and less costly for military members who have gained experience driving trucks and heavy equipment during their military service to obtain a New York commercial driver’s license (CDL) by waiving the road test, a proposal found in Castelli’s bill to exempt veterans from the testing requirement (Assembly Bill A5421); •The Department of Health will allow military training and experience as a medic to count toward certification for home health aides and nursing home aides, as it already does for certification as a paramedic, much like Castelli’s bill to allow Army medics, Navy corpsman and Air Force pararescue service members to be deemed qualified to as an EMT (Assembly Bill A1278); and •The State’s Council on Returning Veterans and Their Families, a group of state agencies and civilians that advises the Governor on issues that affect New York service members, will be expanded and tasked with determining how the state can further recognize and credit military training and experience, especially in licensure and educational credit programs, like legislation drafted by Castelli that was recommended by the Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy as part of their top ten priorities for States, which are key quality of life issues for service members and families (Assembly Bill A 5424).
Continued on Column Two
Operation Support Our Troops
Nov. 30, 2011 Only 5 "stuffing" days remaining before Armonk's Operation Support Our Troops will ship holiday "Hugs from Home" to our deployed troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. "If you could stuff one stocking or Hanukkah gift bag, your efforts would certainly bring a smile to the face of a deployed soldier who will not be with their family this holiday season," says Judi Hefferon, who heads the local Operation Support Our Troops with Peg Lee.
Here are some thanks that they have gotten in the past:
Dear Armonk, I can’t begin to express to you how extremely, overwhelmingly, and infinitely grateful I am for everything you’ve done for us - both in Iraq and in Afghanistan! Often times I sincerely believe the Armonk Chapter of OSOT single-handedly supply the entire theater of operations! We send most of your boxes to Forward Operating Bases where there is no PX, no mail, no ARMY-issue, just a tent and some dirt. Your boxes keep all of us in clean underwear, socks, soap, and the only food that isn’t gross ARMY-issue. The OSOT Armonk chapter is truly one of the greatest blessings in our lives and we thank God everyday for your boxes!
Yours truly, Captain Kim
STOCKING ASSEMBLY and GIFT BAG ASSEMBLY instructions: Buy a standard 18-19 inch size Christmas stocking/gift bag (or as many as you want) and fill it! Stuff the toe with a big bag of M&M's, hand towel, or a nice pair of socks (this will help to keep the toe part of the stocking open), continue to stuff the stocking/bag with some suggestions below and then close the top with safety pins (label the stocking if it is for a female, otherwise they will assume male).
The following are great stocking/gift bag stuffers: DVDs (Comedy), iTunes cards, AT&T phone cards, candy, room fresheners, gloves, hand/foot warmers, power bars, trail mix, dried fruits, nuts, Tuna in foil bags, Mach 3 or Fusion razors with replacement blades, shaving cream, deodorant, puzzle books, NEW magazines.
Peace, Armonk Chapter - Operation Support Our Troops Peg Lee and Judi Hefferon
Lydia Cassia of Salon Elle at 480 Main Street Armonk is accepting drop-offs until Dec. 4th. Lydia can be reached at 666-5060.
Veterans Day
Photo Courtesy: Kathy Ramsey
Armonk's American Legion Veterans
A Boeing B-17 flies over Westchester County Airport.
Veterans Day
Nov. 9, 2011 Once long ago it was called Armistice Day, to honor the day when the Armistice, ending the hostilities of World War I was signed. I remember my grandfather telling me when he was a young soldier in France, how on the 11th day, of the 11th month, at 11th hour, all the guns fell silent, and the silence, was deafening. It is at that appointed date and time that the free nations of the world marks their Memorial Day. Since we had a holiday dedicated to those who made the supreme sacrifice for our Nation since the Civil War, we designated this day as Armistice Day and later Veterans Day, to honor all who have served our Nation.
I remember as a boy how men and women on that day, would wear a red poppy in their lapel and parades would mark the day, with citizens turning out to honor their Veterans. I remember also, how that tradition seemed to die off and even the Veterans Day Parade in New York City was canceled once, due to lack of interest. Now as a Nation at peace, with a military at war, we must always remember that the price of Freedom was paid by the countless Veterans who risked or lost their lives to protect it. So on Friday, Veterans day, at 11 AM, take one moment to say a quiet prayer for those who served, now serve and will serve a great Nation, and if you know one, thank a Veteran for their service.
Robert J. Castelli
Member of Assembly 89AD
Assemblyman Castelli is Viet Nam veteran and serves as the ranking member of the Veterans Committee, in the NY State Assembly
Continued from Column One
“I applaud Governor Cuomo for adopting much of the legislation that we have proposed for these important veteran’s initiatives,” Castelli said. “It once again an example of bipartisan cooperation, and a recognition that the service of our veterans always comes before politics.”
Veterans are highly trained, often in specialized skills that are in great demand in the public and private sectors. However, their training is often unacknowledged when they pursue licenses, degrees, and certifications in the civilian workforce.
Castelli, one of three combat veterans in the State Assembly, who serves as the Ranking Member on the Veterans Affairs Committee, has various other pieces of legislation that would better recognize the skills and training that veterans possess.
One bill would investigate and report about licensing and the difficulties encountered by military spouses; authorize the state to certify persons to teach who are not graduates of teacher education programs, but are ABCTE certified; adopt the interstate nursing licensure compact; and authorize the reciprocal licensing of veterans and military spouses with out-of-state licenses in equivalent occupations such as insurance, real estate, cosmetology, and other professions (Assembly Bill A1332).
He has also introduced legislation that would require all universities and vocational schools to provide credits or exemptions for comparable military training (Assembly Bill A5420).
Major General Patrick Murphy, the Adjutant General of New York, said “Governor Cuomo's ‘Experience Counts’ campaign is an excellent way to get our veterans the rightful credit for their specialized training and unique skill sets. Additionally, the Governor's actions to revitalize and expand the Council on Returning Veterans and Their Families are a further testament to his dedication to our service members.”
Acting Director of the New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs Bill Kraus said, “I applaud Governor Cuomo for this common sense approach to getting these brave men and women the acknowledgement and certifications they have earned. With this new campaign, our service members will be better equipped to find good paying jobs and return to civilian life.”
SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher said, “It is only fitting that our returning veterans receive the recognition they earned during their service to our country, and we applaud the Governor for his ‘Experience Counts’ campaign. It is critically important that veterans are given ample opportunity to return to the state workforce as they transition back into civilian life. SUNY is proud to partner with Governor Cuomo as we seek to provide all veterans with access to higher education and employment.”
CUNY Chancellor Matthew Goldstein said, “CUNY is very pleased to join Governor Cuomo's ‘Experience Counts’ campaign to provide New York's veterans with the credit they have earned through their military training. This timely initiative will go a long way toward helping veterans and their families and CUNY is proud to be a part of it.”
