CAPE VINCENT, New York (WWNY) – Veterans Day festivities kicked off Saturday morning with a parade led by the John C. Londraville American Legion Post 832.
Veterans, active service members, and their families marched from the legion to the waterfront where local officials conducted a brief ceremony.
“If not for the past and present soldiers, we would not have our freedom every single day,” said Marty Mason, Cape Vincent Town Supervisor.
Those same officials urged folks to treat every day like Veterans Day.
“Let us not forget those who have paid the ultimate price. Those who did not return home,” said Assemblyman Scott Gray.
After the ceremony in the park wrapped up, it was on to the American Legion where four Purple Heart Veterans, veterans who were wounded in the line of duty, received special accolades.
“It’s been a long time. It’s been overdue, this event we held for them,” said American Legion Post 832 Commander Joe Chavoustie.
Iraq War veteran Troy Bryan, along with Vietnam War veterans Ron Murray, John Blodgett, and Brian Hartmuller, were given gifts ranging from plaques to paperweights. It was the community’s way of thanking the men for their sacrifice.
“They probably never thought they’d make it home, but they made it home. That’s the greatest thing any veteran can do to give back to the country,” said Judy Wallace, Commander of the Jefferson County American Legion.
One of those Purple Heart recipients tells us he hopes to take a trip to the legion every Veterans Day from now on.
“Oh, it was nice. The ceremony was nice and everything was good. I really enjoyed all of it and I appreciate them doing it,” said Ronald Murray.
After receiving their awards, the veterans and their families were able to enjoy a free lunch courtesy of the American Legion.
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