Snow and wind didn’t keep residents and veterans from coming out to the Kauneonga Lake Fire Department to honor and remember their fellow brethren and the sacrifices of many veterans nationwide during Tuesday morning’s ceremony, conducted by the Sgt. Andrew Brucher-Bailey-Richman VFW Post 5499.

Speaking on behalf of the Bethel Town Board, Supervisor Dan Sturm thanked veterans for their service, noting that their impact has far reaches of recognition beyond Veterans Day.

“Today on Veterans Day, we’re all here to give special thanks to all the soldiers and veterans who have served us during both peace and wartime,” Sturm said. “Although today is important, it is equally important that we express our sincere thanks whenever we see a veteran, whether it’s in the streets or somewhere else.”

Sturm ensured that he is a longtime supporter of the town’s local VFW troop as well as their local veterans’ events and causes.

Guest speaking at the event, 100th District Assemblywoman Paula Kay reflected on the common phrase for Veterans Day and to veterans in general: “thank you for your service”.

“It’s a phrase that we hear at parades, in grocery stores, at the post office,” noted Kay.  “After a while, it may start to sound routine, but today I want to reflect on the meaning of that phrase.”

Kay told of her father-in-law, Eli Drapkin, a World War II Veteran. She told of how Drapkin had been shot down many times over enemy territory.

She defined the phrase as putting yourself before others. She further clarified that it means living one’s values even when it’s difficult or dangerous, especially if that means risking your life.

Kay also reassured her commitment in advocating for veterans’ mental health and benefits on the state level.

“We owe our veterans more than ceremony,” stated Kay. “I owe you opportunity, dignity, and care, and that’s true every single day, not just Veterans Day.”

Sullivan County District 1 Legislator Matt McPhillips took a solemn moment to acknowledge the dwindling number of veterans in the United States today.

“Only six percent of our population are actually veterans,” McPhillips reflected. “So much of what we have in this country is because of what you have all done and sacrificed.”