Community comes out to thank its veterans

MILLBROOK — American flags waved along Franklin Avenue, the Millbrook High School Band stood at attention, veterans, the VFW, the American Legion, firemen, policemen, politicians, parents and all those honoring the sacrifice of those serving in the military to defend their country assembled on the village green Thursday morning, Nov. 11, Veterans Day. There were salutes, honor guards and a speech by veteran Conrad Gagnon, reminding those in attendance to honor veterans with appreciation and respect.

There are 22 million living veterans, observed Gagnon, who said that, “We should remember to say thank you.�

After placing a wreath of remembrance, playing a trump taps and raising the flag to full mast, there was a parade down Main Street. Students from Millbrook’s Alden Place and Elm Drive elementary schools carried signs with the names of those soldiers from Millbrook who died serving their country. The Highway Department directed traffic. The Millbrook High School Band, not accustomed to marching, filled Franklin Avenue with music. The prom king and queen rode in a vintage convertible. Some people watching the parade applauded and said thank you as the veterans walked by.

The event, which brought the entire Millbrook community together this year, was organized with the help of Millbrook’s schools. At the band shell Millbrook student Ali Kohut, president of the National Honor Society, spoke, and the crowd was welcomed by Board of Education President Thomas Hurley.

Sara Gagnon, the winner of the essay contest, said in her speech, “Heroism makes it possible to live freely.�

On stage, veteran Lon Moore, a helicopter pilot during Vietnam, said he was proud of being honored.

Assemblyman Marc Molinaro asked, “Will today be a moment to give of ourselves?�

The finale was the presentation of a large bronze plaque with the names of all of those attending Millbrook schools who lost their lives defending their country. School Superintendent Lloyd Jaeger dedicated the plaque to their memory and invited everyone to join Millbrook students to place the plaque in a place of honor at the high school.