HONORING SERVICE
Town remembers its veterans
HALFMOON, N.Y. >> Spacious Halfmoon Town Park is a center of community activity with several ballfields, playgrounds, a clubhouse and children’s spray park.
But its most meaningful feature is a Veterans Memorial, which attracted dozens of people on Saturday for ceremonies to mark the first anniversary of its completion last year.
The handsomely-designed Memorial’s focal point is a monument dedicated to all service branches, surrounded by flags, stone benches and a Walk of Honor, paved with bricks bearing the names of local veterans.
“To our veterans, this is your day, this here is for all of you; well done,” said Kevin Tollisen, Halfmoon town supervisor.
Veterans from several eras, spanning more than 70 years of service, were on hand. Allan Atwell, of neighboring Clifton Park, was in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II. He is past commander and current chaplain of Clifton Park-Halfmoon VFW Post 1498, whose honor guard members – Dave Brinkmoeller, Patrick Festa, Paul Toomey and Allen Ayotte – presented the colors.
Ayotte, an air force veteran, is one of six brothers who served their country. His second-oldest brother, Hector, was killed in the Korean War. His brother, Ken, was in the U.S. Marines while John Jr., Joseph and Phillip were in the army.
“Thank you to the Ayotte family,” said state Sen. Kathleen Marchione, RHalfmoon.
She and Town Board members John Wasielewski and Daphne Jordan took turns reading the names of all veterans on the Walk of Honor. Wasielewski, a retired army major, spent
24 years in the military including two combat tours in Iraq during Desert Storm and again in 2006.
His son, Specialist Christopher Wasielewski, 21, joined the army last year and is currently stationed at Fort Hood, Tx.
After a welcome by Supervisor Tollisen, town Councilman Paul Hotaling offered an opening prayer, giving thanks for the service of America’s military personnel. His mother, Carol Hotaling, is well-known as the “Yellow Ribbon Lady,” who has made literally thousands of decorations for patriotic events throughout the area. Through her efforts, Yellow Ribbon Day is an officially recognized state observance each year on April 9.
This marks the date in 2004 when SSG Matt Maupin was taken captive by Iraqi insurgents. He was the first American soldier taken prisoner during the war. Four years later his remains were found and returned home to Clermont County, Ohio.
VFW Post 1498 also stays busy with a variety of yearround activities to help veterans. This week, plans call for delivering $12,000 worth of clothing provided by Haband Corp. to men and women in need at the Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany.
Veterans are provided with a variety of items such as parkas, winter coats, flannel shirts, pants, hats, gloves, mittens and socks.
Ceremonies included singing of the National Anthem and a selection of patriotic tunes by Sheri McCarthy and St. Luke’s Choir.
“It’s nice to be back and see how beautiful this Memorial is,” said Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh, R-Ballston. “God bless our veterans.”
Family and friends of veterans are invited to make a lasting tribute by having a service member’s name included in the Walk of Honor. For more information, call (518) 371-7410, extension 2200.