Thank You, Veterans

On an unseasonably warm November morning, the mayor, members of council, faculty, students and residents gathered around the memorial at Arthur L. Johnson high school to say thank you to our servicemen and women. Twenty flags had been placed along the memorial to honor Clark's 20 fallen servicemen and women. (See the attached photos for a full list of these men and women.)

William Duffy, commander of the Clark American Legion Post 328, led the ceremony, reminding the crowd, "In a time where we celebrate celebrities and those on reality television, Veteran's Day is a time to honor all of the outstanding men and women who served our nation's armed forces. ... President Calvin Coolidge was known as 'Silent Cal' because he didn't say very much, but he was possibly profound when he said 'The nation when it forgets its defenders, will forget itself.'"

Duffy continued, mentioning specific stories of bravery and sacrifice and advising the crowd on ways to show their appreciation. "While we are happy to be here today to express our appreciation for our veterans, true appreciation is expressed through deeds not words," said Duffy. "When an American Legion Auxilliary member asks for a donation for a poppy, remember the Korean War veteran in a hospital bed. When a member of Congress complains about the cost of veteran's programs, remind that lawmaker of the cost of being a veteran. And don't estimate the power of simply saying thank you to veterans you encounter." 

Following Duffy, Mayor Sal Bonaccorso spoke. First, Bonaccorso acknowledged saying, "As I look out here today, there's one face I know we're all missing." He asked everyone to say a prayer for her recovery.

"Veterans are people who do things unselfishly for the love of their country and the love of their neighbor," said the mayor. "It's only proper that we honor our veterans every day of the year, not only on Veteran's Day."