The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
PAYING TRIBUTE
Veterans honored at Madison County WAVEM Veterans Day ceremony
“I cannot tell you how much admiration I have for the brave men and women who stepped forward from all eras.”
— Lieutenant General Micheal J. Basla, US Air Force, retired; co- founder of the Madison County Distillery in Cazenovia
WAMPSVILLE, N. Y. » The Madison County WAVEM association along with officials, families, and residents celebrated Veterans Day with a ceremony at 11 a. m. in the atrium of the County Office Building.
WAVEM also celebrated the 30th anniversary of the dedication of the Veterans Memorial located in Wampsville.
WAVEM president Don Smith led the ceremony, thanking those who both turned out in person and who watched via Facebook livestream. Due to COVID- 19, the ceremony was reduced; elementary students could not attend and read their essays as usual, and the Madison County Veteran of the Year program was canceled.
Bob Conway gave the bene
diction, asking for guidance and strength for all veterans. He remarked, “even though this is the day to remember all veterans, always never forget thosewho made the supreme sacrifice.”
Madison Bistro Owner Victor Ramirez sang thenational Anthem.
This year’s keynote speaker was Lieutenant general micheal J. Basla, retired from the US Air Force, and also co- founder of the madison County Distillery in Cazenovia. Basla is from Syracuse, where he from graduated from Bishop Grimes High School. His service experience is extensive and he has received several awards. After retiring from the air force, Basla worked for CACI.
“Since General George Washington commanded the continental army, over 40 million Americans have served in our nation’s armed forces, and 1million of those have given their lives in its defense,” Basla stated.
He cited there currently being over 21 million veterans in the US, among them more than 1.6 million women.
He recognized the many different conflicts veterans were a part of, including Worldwar I and II, the Koreanwar, and Vietnamwar.
“I cannot tell you how much admiration I have for the brave men and women who stepped forward from all eras,” he stated.
He continued, “For nearly 36 years, I was blessed to serve with many of our nation’s finest. I saw the end of the Cold War. I saw the attack of 9/ 11 from the Pentagon. And since then, I’ve spent over 20 years inmy career fighting the global war on terrorism.”
He proceeded to share small stories of veterans he’d come to know over the years. Many he met became injured, some even losing limbs. He remembered one veteran’s will to keep fighting and another’s love for their family.
He highlighted the dedicated and mentally grueling service that veterans working for the nation’s mortuary provide, recognizing that many in this field have to seek counseling afterwards.
“These sad but inspirational stories of fellow veterans speak to the fabric of our nation and the brave men and women who defend it. The stories also provide a glimpse into the pain and sacrifices of the families. Setting aside a national day of recognition for our veterans is most fitting,” he said.
The complexities of being a veteran both on and off duty are great, and this is something more Americans need to know, Basla contested. The veteran population is shrinking as years go by, and with that, their representation is as well.
Basla drew attention to homelessness affecting veterans, citing nearly 25% of homeless have served the nation, and nearly 40% of homeless veterans suffer from substance abuse and psychiatric disorders.
Additionally, suicide among veterans is significant, with men being 1 and a half times more likely to die by suicide than Americans who have not served. Women are 2.2 times more likely.
“These are heart- wrenching statistics that no American wants to let happen. So what can Americans do to help?”
Meet with and support your local veterans, Basla says. Support veteran resources, non- profits, and organizations. In September, Basla said he hosted a second annual picnic partnered with the Wounded Warrior Project to help CNY veterans and their families network and find comradery.
Many veterans want a chance to share their stories. Lend your ear to a veteran, Balsa suggests, and your time. It could make all the difference.
To conclude the Veterans Day ceremony, Smith read off the names of deceased WAVEM board members who gave their hard work and dedication over the last 30 years to preserve the memory of madison County veterans inscribed on the memorial.
Peter Finocchiaro played Taps as the veterans gave their solute. Conway ended the ceremony with a closing benediction. Guests were invited to Madison Bistro to enjoy refreshments and fellowship.
Basla thanked Madison County Chairman of the Board John Becker, County Administrator Mark Scimone, Deputy Sherriff Darren Ladd, and Smith for their continued support and being there for the ceremony.