ALBION — While the purpose of Veterans Day is to honor those who have fought for the U.S., it is impossible not to think about those who are still fighting for it today. Those soldiers, and the ones affected by the recent tragedy at Fort Hood, were on the minds of community members who gathered for a ceremony Wednesday morning at the Veterans Administration office in Albion.
With the flag flying at half-staff and a color guard and rifle squad standing at attention, town and county officials joined lawmakers and local veterans, their families and other residents to give thanks.
“On this day, a day we reserve every year, we remember that freedom is not free,” said state Sen. George Maziarz, R-Newfane. “Thank you to all those who have served and who continue to serve — and also in a time of peace.”
Congressman Chris Lee, R-Clarence, explained that he had the opportunity recently to travel to Afghanistan, where he met with service men and women who are originally from Western New York.
“I did not hear one person who did not say they were proud to be American,” he said.
Fred Stelianou, an 83-year-old World War II Navy veteran, has been attending the Albion Veterans Day ceremony for years.
“I think it’s great,” he said. “It gets the veterans and the public leaders together.”
This year, Stelianou brought his 13-year-old grandson, Brandon Meiers. “I thought it would be nice to honor the veterans,” he said.
Other community members who were part of the ceremony were Pastor Timothy Lindsay, Assemblyman Steve Hawley and members of the county Legislature.
Following the ceremony was a presentation of medals at the American Legion, Sheret Post 35 in Albion.
This was the seventh year that Paul Fulcomer, director of the Veterans Service Agency of Orleans County, arranged the program.
He said the medal ceremony is especially important, “because a lot of veterans have never received their medals over the years.”
One of the medal winners was World War II veteran Michael Paduchak of Kendall, who brought his daughter and granddaughters to the program. He said it was important for the youngsters to come and learn about their history because they’re part of it.
“If someone doesn’t instill some part of patriotism in them now, then when?” he asked. Paduchak also said he looks forward to the annual program because he has a chance to mingle with some of the other veterans.
“I’m here as a World War II veteran to tell my story, because there is less and less of us around,” he explained. “When we’re gone, the stories are gone.”
Paduchak, who will turn 84 in December, is the son of “foreigners” and was drafted into the Army in 1944. “I was drafted — I wasn’t a hero to enlist,” he said.
The veteran added that while he didn’t sign up for the Army willingly, “After a while, that stigma is gone and you’re then an American serving your country.”
As for finally receiving his medals — 65 years later — Paduchak said, “I’m happy to finally get them — it’s here.”
Orleans County Legislator Gary Kent also spoke to the veterans and their family members Wednesday, saying, “Standing up and doing what is right is an American tradition, and I thank each and every one of you for doing that.”
Contact editor Holly Toal at 798-1400, ext. 8225.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Holly Toal/STAFF
Discussion
November 12, 2009
Honoring our veterans
Community comes together to pay tribute
- Local News
-
- Test story
-
Market on Main will offer fresh produce, baked goods
Medina’s Main Street has more than its fair share of spots to pick up prepared food, but starting this summer there will be a place to buy artisanal bread and locally-grown produce.Dave and Bonnie Reigle have operated a produce stand on their Ridge Road farm for 17 years. They plan to open Reigle’s Market on Main in the former Whole Nine Yards and be open year-round as a bakery and produce store.
-
Lyndonville BoE approves budget propositions
The Lyndonville Board of Education approved the four propositions district residents will vote on May 15, including the school’s $12,964,687 budget.The 2012-13 budget decreases spending by 1.28 percent, but the property tax levy will rise by 1.95 percent to $4,620,374. The estimated property tax rate is $18.40, an increase of 1.38 percent and a bump of a quarter for every $1,000 of assessed property value.
-
Medina BoE OK's budgets for May 15 vote
Medina Central School District residents will have the option this May to vote for a budget that does not raise the property tax levy next year, but does increase the district’s budget by 1.74 percent.
-
Ridgeway sets public hearings
The Ridgeway Town Board will hold two public hearings at its next meeting on May 21.
-
Hoag will host STEM summer camp
The Hoag Library in Albion isn’t set to open until the weekend after Independence Day, but preparations are well underway for a two-week summer camp for a select group of Albion students.
-
Growing like a weed
The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce’s Home and Garden Show had a new home this year, and a record crowd came out to Knowlesville for helpful advice, information about local businesses and organizations, and a wide range of activities, promotions and giveaways.
-
Village budget talks continue
Medina’s 2012-13 budget is coming together at a series of meetings between department heads and village board members that largely focus on projected spending plans and areas where cuts can be made and additional revenue can be found.The board met Monday with Police Chief Jose Avila, who said his department budget will be less than the current year despite increasing salaries and associated benefits.
-
Hoag Library era nears in Albion
The transition of Albion's long-time library to a modern South Main Street facility is quickly approaching, which had the Swan Library Board of Trustees discussing the closing of the current library in early June, a month of movement and plans to resume service at the new Hoag Library on the day after the facility's July 7 grand opening at their Wednesday meeting.
-
Pillars hosting Titanic evening
The extravagant experience that the high-class passengers enjoyed on the first and final voyage of the RMS Titanic will be replicated in a dinner at The Pillars Estate’s new ballroom this weekend.The Pillars echoes the luxury liner’s grand staircase and chandelier, with historic touches throughout the restored County House Road mansion’s ballroom.
- More Local News Headlines
Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
Raw Video: Fight Erupts in Ukrainian Parliament
Texan Ranchers Remain Wary of Drought
Raw Video: Soldiers Plant Flags at Arlington
Police: Man Arrested in Etan Patz Disappearance
NYC Protests: the Revolution Will Be Scripted
Chicago U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald Resigns
Neighbors of Etan Patz's Suspect: It's Shocking
Gulf Fishermen Reel From Seafood Troubles
Stuntman Makes Skydive Without Parachute in UK
