Story and photos 

by Carol Montana

Braving an early snow and fierce winds, a small but dedicated crowd observed what has become a long-standing Veterans Day event in the Town of Neversink. 

The semi-annual Flag Exchange, which occurs on Memorial Day and Veterans Day,  took place on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Grahamsville Rural Cemetery. As is her custom, the ceremony was coordinated and hosted by Town of Neversink resident Geri Gorton, and attended and facilitated by Boy Scout Troop 97, an honor guard of local veterans and a member of the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department. It’s sponsored by the Grahamsville Rural Cemetery Association.

A flag that has flown since Memorial Day in honor of U.S. Army Veteran Richard William Hodges was lowered and presented to his family, and a flag to honor all Veterans was presented by Vietnam Veteran and Purple Heart recipient James Richardson.

In her remarks, Gorton said, “The gratitude, respect, friendship and love that I have in my heart for you is true and great. You gave the best years of your life and every ounce of energy for the love of our country. … This country was built on values literally made possible by the blood, sweat and tears of our veterans. I know I may never get to repay you, and that as a civilian I never truly can with anything more than compassion, ears to listen, a shoulder to lean on, and lots of hugs. But please, know, when I say thank you, it is truly genuine and fueled by pride and the appreciation that I have for you. You may be my friends and neighbors, but most of all, you are my heroes.”

Following the ceremony, attendees gathered at the Town of Neversink Town Hall for a wreath laying and refreshments.