Veterans honored at Owego ceremony

Veterans and community residents gathered at the Tioga County Veterans Memorial Park in Owego, N.Y. on Wednesday, Nov. 11 for the annual Veterans Day service, which honored all veterans, both living and deceased.

Jim Raftis, Sr., Master of Ceremonies, Korean War veteran and Memorial Day Chairman, shared with guests that the theme of the ceremony was, “Honoring all who served in time of war and in time of peace.”

The Glenn A. Warner Post 1371 VFW Color Guard posted colors at the service. Also represented were 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. Volunteers from the 137th New York and 141st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry performed a rifle salute. Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War also participated at the service.

The Parochial Vicar of St. Patrick’s Church in Owego and Blessed Trinity Parishes, the Rev. Peter VanLieshout, delivered the invocation and benediction. Andrea McBride sang a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem.

Several moments of silence took place during the service, including a moment of silence to remember veterans who have passed away since Memorial Day 2015 and also POW’s and MIA’s and those who made the ultimate sacrifice while defending our freedom. Wreaths were placed in front of the memorials in memory of fallen heroes of all wars, and also in honor of the fallen the military bugle call, “Taps”, was played.

Raftis acknowledged Netherlands resident Erwin Flohr, who visits the graves of fallen Tioga County soldiers buried in national cemeteries overseas.

Raftis also acknowledged and asked veterans aged 90 and older to introduce themselves. Present at the ceremony was 94 year old World War II veteran and Owego resident Pete Lewis, who served in New Guinea and the Philippines, Korean War veteran Emil Jerkes of Tioga Center and World War II veteran Alton Diehl from Candor who served in the Pacific Theatre.

Jerry Marsh, a Vietnam veteran, also spoke at the ceremony regarding the number of Tioga County soldiers who served during the Civil War. Marsh is a historian and author, and has researched history of Southern Tier Civil War soldiers and published a book entitled, “The Brotherhood of Battle.”

Special guest, 52nd District State Senator (elect) Fred Akshar, shared with guests at the ceremony that during tours of the district he has had the opportunity to meet many veterans who have served during both war and peace.

Akshar commented, “Display your Flag proudly and be grateful for the freedom you enjoy in America. Say thank you, and say it out loud to the service men and women you run into.”

Akshar continued, “In the New York State Senate I’m going to work hard to make sure veterans have the resources and tools to make an easier transition when they return home. I deeply admire our veterans and I value their courage, their sacrifice and service.”

Wednesday’s tribute doesn’t end on Veterans Day, look for information about the upcoming National Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, Dec. 12, or become a sponsor or donor to purchase American flags for use in 2016 on Owego’s Court Street Bridge. For more information, contact Memorial Day Chairman Jim Raftis Sr. by calling (607) 687-4229 or email to jraftis2@stny.rr.com.

To view photos, click thumbnail, and then click photo again for full photo.