by Rachel Hunter

The 2020 Gouverneur Veterans Day Ceremony on Wednesday, November 11 was hosted by the Silas Wainwright VFW Post 6338 in Gouverneur in conjunction with the James Maloy American Legion Post No. 65. The ceremony drew a crowd to the Gouverneur Memorial Arch in the Gouverneur Village Park at 11 a.m.

The Gouverneur Veterans Day Master of Ceremonies Gloria Weldon welcomed all in attendance, and encouraged all those in attendance to keep their facial coverings on and maintain social distance throughout the entire ceremony. The invocation was presented by VFW Post 6338 Chaplain Ed Ramos, who later performed taps and echo. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Gouverneur VFW Post Commander John Holt and American Legion Post Commander Jason Carvel. The presentation of wreaths commenced with the American Legion and VFW wreaths laid by the commanders. A presentation of flowers was led by VFW Auxiliary President Jeff Plat and American Legion Auxiliary President Deanna Cline. The presentation of the Yellow Rose for Gold Star Mothers was presented by Deanna Cline. The presentation of the red rose for Daughters of the American Revolution descendants was conducted by Lynda Andrews. The presentation of the wreath by the Sons of the American Legion was conducted by Steven Cline. The presentation of the wreath from Gouverneur Students was presented by GCS Superintendent of Schools Lauren French. The Gouverneur Cub Scout Pack No. 2035 presented a plaque that said the following: “Our debt to the heroic men and women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices. Presented on this Veterans Day by Cub Scout Pack 2035.”

A bagpipe selection, “Amazing Grace,” was performed by Jeff Forsythe of Antwerp.

The guest speaker was St. Lawrence County Sheriff Brooks Bigwarfe who was in attendance with Undersheriff Sean O’Brien and Deputy Murray. SLC Sheriff Bigwarfe gave the following address:

“Thank you Commander John Holt and the Gouverneur VFW Post 6338 for inviting me here today. I very much appreciate all of you who worked hard to organize this important event. It is an honor to stand with you today and to join you in paying tribute to our brave veterans.

“First and foremost, I want to begin by recognizing all those among us who have been part of the great brotherhood and sisterhood we call the U.S. military – our veterans, active-duty service members, guardsmen and reservists. Your service and sacrifice have kept our nation safe and free.

“Veterans Day looks a lot different this year than it has in the past. Our current state of affairs and the protective measures implemented across the country to stop the spread of COVID-19 have forced us to think creatively to ensure we stay safe while honoring our nation’s heroes.

“Veterans demonstrated the quiet power of compassion, patriotism, and selflessness. These are the defining attributes that brought our nation together – and will continue to make this country an example for all the world to emulate.

“Thomas Jefferson wrote eloquently that “governments are instituted among men to secure the inalienable rights of the people… treasured rights to life and liberty.” This is the first priority of government – to protect the lives and liberties of the people. The men and women of the military agencies do this every day.

“A little history about Veterans Day: In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11th as the last commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice.”

“The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11 a.m.

“An act approved May 13, 1938 made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday – a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be therefore celebrated and known as “Armistice Day.” Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking the word “Armistice” and in its place inserting the word “Veterans.” With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

“Veterans Day continues to help focus attention on the important purpose of a celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

“My father Glenn Bigwarfe served in the Navy from 1952 to 1956. He told me that he wanted to serve his country and travel the world. So his first assignment after basic training was not Pearl Harbor, Hawaii or some port in Japan or somewhere in Pacific… oh no, it was where else? Antarctica, one of the coldest places on planet Earth. But he told me the traits of comradery, discipline, being part of a team, working to accomplish a mission and excelling at physical fitness made him the man that he would become… a very hard working, family oriented person. He even got a chance to be on the Navy national wrestling team where he competed in the Pan-Am games and was beaten by a soldier that would eventually take a Silver medal in the Olympics. I personally honor his service every year on Veterans Day.

“Most Americans profess to truly love our veterans, especially at gatherings like this on Veterans Day. And while their feelings are usually sincere, it is important to remember that veterans are defending us 365 days a year. The heroism that has been demonstrated time and time again by veterans from the American Revolution to the Global War on Terrorism is sometimes unnoticed by those of us who enjoy the security that their sacrifice has provided.

“Veterans have given us freedom, security and the greatest nation on Earth. We must remember them. We must appreciate them.

“I would like to end with this, a quote from President Abraham Lincoln. He told the nation in the midst of the Civil War, speaking about the men of the military: “Fellow citizens, we cannot escape history, we will be remembered in spite of ourselves. The fiery trial through which they passed will light us down, in honor or dishonor, to the latest generation. We – even we here – hold the power and bear the responsibility.”

“Memorials such as these ensure that the men and women who dedicated their lives to the cause of justice will not escape history. They have held the power and borne the responsibility for the security of our country and the safety of its citizens. And the fiery trial which they passed – the ultimate sacrifice they made has lighted each of them down in honor for generations to see.

“God bless you all for being here. God bless our veterans and God bless America. Thank you.”

The honor guard salute was led by Karl Beck, Sgt. At Arms along with the American Legion and VFW Firing Detail.

The benediction was the led by VFW Post 6338 Auxiliary Chaplain Ruth Mead, and closing remarks were made by Gloria Weldon. All gathered were invited to the American Legion following the service for a free drive-thru luncheon, due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. All were also reminded of the free Veterans Day Dinner to be held at Gouverneur Elks Lodge No. 2035 from 4 to 7 p.m. Also mentioned was the free donut special for veterans active duty military members at the Gouverneur Dunkin Donuts location. Much gratitude was extended to all who took part and/or contributed any type of service for the annual Veterans Day remembrance ceremony.

Local dignitaries attending the ceremony included the following: Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr., Town of Gouverneur Deputy Supervisor Eldon Conklin, Town of Gouverneur Councilman Curran Wade, Former Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Robert Ritchie, Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall, Village of Gouverneur Clerk/Treasurer Barbara Finnie, SLC Sheriff Brooks Bigwarfe, SLC Undersheriff Sean O’Brien, SLC Sheriff’s Deputy Murray, Village of Gouverneur Chief of Police Laurina Greenhill, Gouverneur Police Sgt. Darren Fairbanks, Former SLC Sheriff Kevin Wells, and Gouverneur Superintendent of Schools Lauren French.