FOR THOSE WHO SERVE
Yellow Ribbon Day program honors those in the military
HALFMOON, N.Y. >> Military veterans, public officials, and current members of the armed forces recognized the state’s Yellow Ribbon Day on Friday in a 90-minute program at Halfmoon Town Hall.
Though the annual program was held two days before its official April 9 date, the emotion generated by a program that honors those currently in the military was substantial.
Speaking to a packed room of slightly more than a hundred people, Halfmoon Supervisor Kevin Tollisen set the tone for the day by noting the observance was for those currently in the military and their families.
“Let us focus our hearts and minds on the men and women who proudly serve our country,” he said. “Let us respect, together, in the community, those proud men and women who are willing to sacrifice everything for the cause of protecting the great freedoms we enjoy in America. Let us forever be grateful to their
families and provide them with support and encouragement that they deserve.”
The April 7 program included an invocation from a Gold Star Mother — the Rev. Charlene Robbins — the National Anthem and God Bless America sung by Clifton Park Supervisor Philip Barrett, the tune “American Soldier” sung by Retired Maj. Ellis Cooper, taps from trumpeter Steve Desadore, and bagpiper Charles A. Poltenson of the U.S. Coast Guard who performed Amazing Grace to close the program.
In between there were remarks from current military members, retired service members, Gold Star Mothers and Blue Star Mothers. Albany County Executive and MSG Daniel McCoy, U.S. Army National Guard, was the program’s keynote speaker.
In her remarks, Cindy Roberts, the president of the Albany Chapter of the American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., drew attention to the wide ranging effects military service can have on individuals and families when she discussed the personal affect her daughter’s suicide had on her.
Roberts and her hus-
band decided to take their daughter’s death and “remember, honor, educate and share”.
“Programs like this,” she said, “give us a chance to share. But we need not let it stop there. I suspect each of you meet a veteran every day. Take that extra few minutes, not just to say thank you, but also to say, I care. There is no expiration date for grief, no getting over it and no special label for hurt or pain. Everyone has it.”
In his address, McCoy related the joy he witnessed among his fellow service members while stationed in Iraq with the arrival of care packages like those from supporters of Yellow Ribbon Day.
“Just knowing there were people back home who remembered them meant a lot,” he said. “It changed their day.”
As he discussed how less than 1 percent of the country’s population serves in the military, McCoy gave insight as to why he and others choose to serve.
“We wear the uniform not for the pats on the back, not for the medals, but for the love of this country,” he said. “To serve. And the fact that you recognize that means a lot. I’m honored Halfmoon does this every year. You lead by example.”
Yellow Ribbon Lady Carol Pingelski Hotaling beamed throughout the program as she watched something that she started more than a decade ago make another incremental gain in people’s hearts.
She has written to former President Obama and to the current administration of President Trump and Vice President Pence about getting the day on the calendar in each state. It has yet to happen, but she keeps trying.
“I’m excited that people are taking the time to serve with the current troops,” she said afterward.
“This is for them because they don’t have a day of their own. I started this because people don’t even think of our troops. I want them to know freedom is not free.”