Newark Valley Historical Society’s Marcia Kiechle presents a plaque to new Troop 60 Eagle Scout RyanTrenchard, as dad, Iraq War Veteran Ralph Trenchard looks on. Provided photo.
On Veterans Day, the Newark Valley Historical Society honored veterans of all Armed Forces from Berkshire, Newark Valley and Richford during a free dinner held at 4 p.m. at the Newark Valley Fire Station.
The Honor Guard of Post 1371 Veterans of Foreign Wars posted and retired the colors. Participating members included Walt Beardslee, Danielle Ingram, Dean Morgan, Commander Lawrence Osorio, and Cliff Sherwood. During the program, Dean Morgan noted that the Honor Guard has participated in 31 funerals so far this year.
Ross McGraw, chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Newark Valley Historical Society, welcomed veterans and their wives and friends. Attendees enjoyed a baked ham dinner with homemade apple or pumpkin pie with ice cream prepared by the Ladies of the Historical Society.
Jim Raftis served as Master of Ceremonies for the 13th year. He remembered Northern Tioga County veterans who died since Memorial Day. He paid tribute to Tioga County’s first
Ray Barrett of VFW Post 1371 Men’s Auxiliary reads the poem, In Flanders Fields. The poem speaks volumes about those who lost their lives during the First World War on field in Ypres, Belgium, in May 1915. Provided photo.
Iraq Fallen Hero, Navy Petty Officer Third Class Nicholas Wilson. The 25-year-old was killed on Feb. 25, 2006 in Al Anbar Providence by an improvised explosive device.
Jim Tornatore, mayor of Newark Valley, was the guest speaker that stated, “We truly miss those no longer with us,” and described the annual as “amazing, soulful and an honor to attend.”
The honored guest was Troop 60 Eagle Scout Ryan Trenchard. He explained his Service Project of identifying by GPS the gravesites of all Fallen Heroes in Tioga Country Cemeteries. His dad Ralph, an Iraq war veteran, told of encouraging along his 14 year old son and Owego Free Academy freshmen along the way. Ryan’s project has been approved by the National Boy Scouts.
Two Purple Heart recipients were honored. Veterans from WWII, Korea and Iraq stood for recognition. The President of the Veterans of Modern Warfare of Desert Storm, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan, Danielle Ingram, asked veterans to encourage modern veterans to become involved in her organization.
Karen Messersmith pleaded for recognition of Revolutionary War veterans. Army veteran Shelly Moats, of the VFW Post 1371 Auxiliary, explained the new POW/MIA table in the hall. Ray Barrett of the VFW Post 1371 Men’s Auxiliary passionately read the poem, In Flanders Fields. Display tables by Newark Valley Historians honored all veterans.
Pictured, is Troop 60 Eagle Scout Ryan Trenchard’s Appreciation Plaque from the Newark Valley Historical Society for achieving Boy Scouting’s Highest Award. Provided photo.
John Holton, director of the Tioga County Veterans Service Agency, said there are 4,100 veterans in Tioga County, and talked to veterans at the ceremony about the services his organization offers.
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