Across Vermont and Northern New York, a lot of communities have events planned on Tuesday to honor local veterans. With serious wind chills in the forecast, some organizers had to adjust their plans. Across the region, communities are taking time to honor those who’ve served.From Colchester to Tupper Lake, Veterans Day is recognized with musical tributes, speeches, and the 21-gun salute.”We are so quick to remember our veterans, our active-duty forces, our first responders when there’s a crisis or an emergency or on Veterans Day,” said Mary Fontana, the Village of Tupper Lake mayor.Tupper Lake’s traditional service is usually held at the Veteran’s War Memorial Park. This year, for the third year in a row, they had to move the event into the high school auditorium because of the cold weather. Fontana said it’s better to adjust than to cancel altogether.”To take time out of your day to turn out for them, to remember them the other 364 days of the year is really important,” she said.Fontana said this day is personal because her own family has a long history of military service. She hopes more people show up despite low temperatures and snow showers in the Adirondacks.”I hope that the community takes a moment, not just tomorrow, but in every day moving forward to remember that the freedoms that we enjoy do not come free,” Fontana said. It’s also personal for Andrea Gagner-Murphy, who is the executive director of the Josh Pallotta Fund. The organization was created in honor of Josh Pallotta, who died by suicide in 2014, after serving in Afghanistan.Gagner-Murphy said the center is a safe space for veterans to connect with one another and share their stories. But it’s also a reminder to support them, after the sacrifices they’ve made.”Just to be able to celebrate them and thank them because of what they’ve done for our country. Remembering them not just on Veterans Day or those that have gone before a Memorial Day is really important,” she said. And if you or someone you know is struggling with post-traumatic stress or depression, the suicide and crisis lifeline is available 24/7. You can call or text 988.
Across Vermont and Northern New York, a lot of communities have events planned on Tuesday to honor our local veterans. With serious wind chills in the forecast, some organizers had to adjust their plans.
Across the region, communities are taking time to honor those who’ve served.
Advertisement
From Colchester to Tupper Lake, Veterans Day is recognized with musical tributes, speeches, and the 21-gun salute.
“We are so quick to remember our veterans, our active-duty forces, our first responders when there’s a crisis or an emergency or on Veterans Day,” said Mary Fontana, the Village of Tupper Lake mayor.
Tupper Lake’s traditional service is usually held at the Veteran’s War Memorial Park. This year, for the third year in a row, they had to move the event into the high school auditorium because of the cold weather.
Fontana said it’s better to adjust than to cancel altogether.
“To take time out of your day to turn out for them, to remember them the other 364 days of the year is really important,” she added.
Fontana said this day is personal because her own family has a long history of military service.
She hopes more people show up despite low temperatures and snow showers in the Adirondacks.
“I hope that the community takes a moment, not just tomorrow, but in every day moving forward to remember that the freedoms that we enjoy do not come free,” Fontana said.
It’s also personal for Andrea Gagner-Murphy, who is the executive director of the Josh Pallotta Fund. The organization was created in honor of Josh Pallotta, who died by suicide in 2014, after serving in Afghanistan.
Gagner-Murphy said the center is a safe space for veterans connect with one another and share their stories.
But it’s also a reminder to support them, after the sacrifices they’ve made.
“Just to be able to celebrate them and thank them because of what they’ve done for our country. Remembering them not just on Veterans Day or those that have gone before a Memorial Day is really important,” she said.
And if you or someone you know is struggling with post-traumatic stress or depression, the suicide and crisis lifeline is available 24/7. You can call or text 9-8-8.
