11-11-11 in 10990

WARWICK — As tradition dictates, the 2012 Veterans Day ceremonies in Warwick’s Veterans Memorial Park began on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the official time of the World War I Armistice.

More than 300 local citizens came out to honor our veterans.

It was in 1918, after a long and bloody struggle, when the Armistice was signed ending the hostilities and what was celebrated each year as “Armistice Day” was, in 1954, renamed “Veterans Day.”

The fact that this year’s ceremony fell on a Sunday blessed with beautiful weather may have contributed to the large turn out, but by most accounts it was again thanks to the work of members of the Boy and Girl Scouts along with their junior components, scout leaders and parents.

VFW Post 4662 Commander Gordon “Buddy” Cooke opened the ceremony by voicing an appeal that the government not abandon the needs of returning veterans.

‘Real heroes’

Following an invocation given by American Legion Post 214 Chaplain Robert Ritzer, Cooke introduced guest speakers including Warwick Town Supervisor Michael Sweeton, Mayor Michael Newhard, Warwick Town Justice Peter Barlet and American Legion Post 214 Past Commander Walter Parkinson. Cooke also welcomed American Legion officials from New York State and Orange County who traveled to Warwick to attend this year’s ceremonies.

Parkinson reminded his audience that the Founding Fathers had a healthy distrust of standing armies like those in Europe and made sure that our military would remain under civilian control. And the Constitution and the Bill of Rights also guaranteed that citizens would not have to house soldiers. The right to bear arms, guaranteed by the Second Amendment, would also insure that they would be ready to serve when needed.

Referring to the history of veterans’ benefits, which began after the Civil War, Parkinson added that when citizens serve us in the military they do so at a cost and the rest of us should be obliged to help pay that cost.

Sweeton described veterans as “real heroes,” not to be confused with the “fake heroes” idolized in our culture.

‘A country without faith’

During his remarks Newhard spoke about the faith and patriotism demonstrated by our veterans.

“A country without faith,” he said, “will fall asunder.”

Barlet mentioned that both his parents were veterans and that it was normal for him to be present at every ceremony.

“It is my hope,” he said, “that this ceremony will go on and on and that all here will continue to remember our veterans.”

VFW Post 4662 Chaplain Clayton Eurich closed the ceremony with a prayer followed by the traditional salute during the playing of Taps.

- Roger Gavan