Warwick's Memorial Park hosts Veterans Day ceremony

WARWICK - Although the turnout of local citizens was light for the annual Veterans Day ceremony in Warwick’s Memorial Park last Friday, the ceremony remained important and impressive. As tradition dictates, the ceremony began at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, commemorating that moment in 1918 when the Armistice that ended hostilities of World War I was signed. 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 Friday, Nov. 11, VFW Post 4662 Commander Theodore Cody opened the official ceremony. Rev. Duncan Truman gave the invocation and then was followed by a series of speakers. “We have soldiers today that are in harms way,” Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt said, “and we will never forget them and our veterans and their service to our country.” Village Mayor Michael Newhard recalled the history of Veterans Day and reminded those present that the world remains a safer place because of the sacrifices made by the men and women in military service. Warwick Town Justice Peter Barlet, who mentioned that both of his parents served in the military during World War II, paid a special tribute to servicewomen. “Because of my parents,” he said, “I never made a distinction between men and women serving in our armed forces. There are no front lines in Iraq. Women in military service deserve a special honor.” Standing in for American Legion Post 214 Commander Bob Ritzer, who was attending a funeral, Vice Commander Maureen Space read his statement, expressing his gratitude to all the veterans and guests at the ceremony. After the traditional salute during the playing of taps, VFW Post 4662 Chaplain Clayton Eurich closed the ceremony with a prayer. In his remarks earlier in the program, Town Supervisor Michael Sweeton praised the veterans: “You are all that is right about America.”