In Owego at the Tioga County Veterans Memorial, Veterans Day 2015 services start at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 11, to honor all American veterans and Purple Heart Recipients, both living and dead.
Families are encouraged to accompany veterans, especially Purple Heart Recipients. The community is invited to personally express their gratitude to veterans for their service and sacrifices to keep our country free. Theme: Honoring All Who Served in Time of War and In Time of Peace.
At exactly 11 a.m. church bells will toll from the Historic First Baptist Church, the United Methodist Church, the First Presbyterian Union Church and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, followed by their chimes. Fire sirens will sound a 30 second veterans salute, also, at 11 a.m.
All churches in Tioga County with church bells are asked to ring their bell 11 times at 11 a.m. Veterans request all citizens to observe moment of silence at 11 a.m.
The Glenn A. Warner Post 1371 Veterans of Foreign Wars Color Guard will render honors by posting the colors. Veterans proudly represent the Glenn A. Warner Post 1371, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Tioga Post 401 American Legion, Tioga County Marine Corps League, Chapter 480 Vietnam Veterans of America, and Veterans of Modern Warfare of Iraq and Afghanistan with support by their Ladies, Men’s and Sons Auxiliaries.
The Parochial Vicar of St. Patrick’s-Owego and Blessed Trinity Parishes of Tioga County, the Rev. Peter VanLieshout, will give the invocation and later the benediction. Andrea McBride will sing the National Anthem.
Not forgotten from all wars are our POWs and MIAs. They and their families have suffered greatly through their experiences. Tioga County will remember five – one WWII MIA and four early Korea – one KIA and buried in the combat zone, one MIA and two POWs, remains never recovered.
Gold Star Mothers and Families and Purple Heart Recipients and veterans will place wreaths for fallen heroes of Afghanistan, Iraq, Korea, Vietnam, World Wars Two and One, and those buried in overseas national cemeteries.
Bonnie Baker-Duff, president of Tent 2 of the Daughters of Union Veteran of the Civil War, will say a few words and place a wreath at the Tioga County Union Memorial dedicated to Tioga County’s heroes who fought and her martyrs who fell that the Union Might Live.
Volunteers from the 137th New York and 141st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry will do a rifle salute.
Deputy Newark Valley Historian Jerry Marsh will report on the number of Tioga County soldiers in the Civil War. Jerry has published a book, titled, “The Brotherhood of Battle,” profiling the Civil War soldiers of Newark Valley. He is a veteran of the Vietnam War as a Vietnamese Linguist. He served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force as a Special Agent and Counterintelligence Officer.
Roll Call of Honor will remember veterans from Tioga County who died since Memorial Day 2015. A moment of silence will honor deceased veterans – especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defending freedom.
President Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming Nov. 11 as Veterans Day, and called upon Americans everywhere to rededicate themselves to the cause of peace.
To commemorate the ending of the “Great War” (World War I), an “unknown soldier” was buried in the highest place of honor in both England and France. Those ceremonies took place on Nov. 11, celebrating the ending of World War I hostilities at 11 a.m., Nov. 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month).
The day became known internationally as “Armistice Day.” In 1921, America laid to rest the remains of a World War I soldier at what is now known as the “Tomb of the Unknowns” at Arlington National Cemetery.
The “Tomb if the Unknowns,” the Tioga County Union Memorial and Tioga County Veterans Memorial in Owego’s Courthouse Square symbolize dignity and reverence for the American veteran.
Be sure to bring a folding chair and dress for the weather.
In the afternoon, veterans in nursing homes will be remembered for their service and sacrifice. Veterans of Modern Warfare from Iraq and Afghanistan go from the park ceremony to the Riverview Home Care Center. Veterans in Elderwood at Waverly will be special guests at a ceremony conducted by the Sayre Elks and Valley Mayors from Waverly, South Waverly, Sayre and Athens.
Free Dinner for Northern Tioga Veterans and Purple Heart Recipients
For the 10th year in a row, the Newark Valley Historical Society will honor veterans and Purple Heart Recipients of all Armed Forces and spouses of deceased veterans from the Northern Tioga County communities of Berkshire, Newark Valley, and Richford at a free dinner on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 4 p.m. at the Newark Valley Fire Station. Contact Marcia Kiechle by calling 642-8967 for more information.
Wreaths for Veteran Graves a Worthy Project for Individuals
National Wreaths Across America Day is held Saturday, Dec. 12 at 11 a.m. The mission is to Remember, Honor and Teach about the service of deceased veterans.
Thousands of wreaths will be placed at Arlington National Cemetery and at the same time at national cemeteries in the United States including Elmira and Bath and overseas and in all participating community cemeteries.
Local objective is a Christmas wreath on each veteran grave and at the main entrance to all cemeteries around Tioga and Bradford Counties and the Valley. Every citizen reading this is encouraged to lay a wreath. It is a beautiful way to honor those who have fought and died for our country and are locally buried.
Three videos online at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/about/answering-why/ will explain Wreaths Across America and why it matters from the perspective of the founder who started donating wreaths over 20 years ago, an American Gold Star Mother who lost her son, and personal stories of those who serve and sacrifice.
Bridge Flags Need Donors
Become a sponsor or donor to buy American flags for use in 2016 on Owego’s Court Street Bridge. Those flags honor the service and sacrifice of Tioga County’s fallen heroes.
Who to Contact
For more information, contact Glenn A. Warner Post 1371 Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Day Chairman Jim Raftis by email to jraftis2@stny.rr.com or call (607) 687-4229.
