Warwick honors America's veteran
WARWICK-Although the weather was mild, there was another light turnout for this year's Veterans Day ceremony in Warwick's Memorial Park. Nevertheless, it was an important event and those who did attend were impressed by the members of American Legion Post 214, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 4662, public officials and guest speakers who honor America's veterans each year. The brief ceremony began, as tradition dictates, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. That was the moment in 1918 when the Armistice was signed ending the hostilities of World War I. A year later, President Woodrow Wilson issued his "Armistice Day" proclamation. After being declared a legal holiday in 1938 and following the Korean War, Armistice Day was renamed "Veterans Day." President Dwight Eisenhower signed the order. On Thursday, Nov. 11, VFW Post 4662 Commander Joe Krasniewic opened the official ceremony. Rev. Duncan Truman gave the invocation and later, Krasniewic introduced the guest speakers who included Warwick Town Supervisor Michael Sweeton, Mayor Michael Newhard, Warwick Town Justice Peter Barlet, and American Legion Post 214 Commander Bob Ritzer. Each speaker, cognizant of the current battle raging in Fallujah, Iraq, praised veterans past and present for their dedication and sacrifices. "Oftentimes the political considerations override the human nature of the conflict," said Warwick Town Justice Peter Barlet who urged the audience to think about the brave men and women who have served in every war regardless of its political support or popularity. "We are here to thank the veterans. We are in the month of Thanksgiving and we should start by thanking those who have done so much for us." After the traditional salute during the playing of taps, VFW Post 4662 Chaplain Clayton Eurich closed the ceremony with a prayer.