Roughly 50 residents, including veterans, local politicians, high school students and more, came together on Saturday, Nov. 9 at the Nichols Veterans Memorial Park, located at 56 W. River Rd., for its official opening, and for the unveiling of a plaque dedicated to veterans that was funded entirely by the efforts of 17-year-old Girl Scout Adeline Whitmore.
“It’s for the veterans, honoring them for their sacrifice. I have a couple of relatives who have served, and it is unbelievable all these people came out, I really appreciate it,” said Whitmore.
Completed in part to finish her Gold Award, which is the highest level in Girl Scouts, Whitmore said getting to this point has taken a lot of hard work.
“The Girl Scouts have helped make me who I am,” Whitmore said.
The ceremony dedicating the plaque featured members of the American Legion Post 1624 raising the American flag followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Girl Scout Troop 61082. Members of the Tioga Central High School band, of which Whitmore is a member, performed the National Anthem.
“Its nice to see someone honoring the veterans that are still here. She has done a fantastic job and I really commend her dedication to this. All veterans feel it’s nice to know that people recognize us for our efforts and the things we have done,” said Charles Cornell, member of the American Legion.
Once the dedication ceremony began Nichols’ Mayor Lesley Pelotte gave a brief speech detailing the work Whitmore did to get the monument completed, and thanked her for her hard work. Afterward Whitemore spoke and read a list of people and businesses who helped raise the roughly $4,000 needed to finish the project.
“We did a bunch of fundraising and got a bunch of people together from the community to construct it,” Whitmore said before the ceremony.
Pelotte said that she was proud of Whitmore and heartened to see members of younger generations look for ways to be of service to the community.
“To see our young people come forward in this day and age is fantastic,” Pelotte said.
She added that the town had long planned to have a park dedicated to veterans, but due to budgetary constraints could only finish the flagpole.
“[Adeline] took it from there and really brought the project home,” Pelotte said.
Pelotte said that Whitmore herself chose what would be written on the memorial’s plaque, which reads, “In honor of all the courageous men and women of the United States of America whose service and sacrifice have established and preserved our freedom; we thank you.”
Pelotte said that a park honoring the service of veterans was a needed addition to the town.
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