By RICK MILLER
Olean Star
OLEAN — Nearly 150 attended Olean Veterans Day services Tuesday at the Lincoln Park Pavilion to thank veterans for their service.
Shaun App, commander of Olean American Legion Post 530 and Post 1619 VFW Commander Terry Vaughn struck the memorial bell at the southwest corner of the park to signify the time of the signing of the World War I Armistice at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, 1918.
The bell bore a 2-inch thick coating of newly fallen snow, but their hammer strikes resonated across the park. The temperature hovered around freezing.
Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts led those in attendance in the Pledge to the Flag. John Gordnier served as master of ceremonies introducing speakers Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski and Olean Mayor Bill Aiello.
The Olean High School Band performed “The National Anthem,” some with gloves on, and the High School Chorus sang “American the Beautiful.”
Sempolinski thanked veterans for their service and said the weather reminded him of the Revolutionary War and Valley Forge. He shared a personal story about his grandfather who fought in World War II. Like many veterans, he had difficulty discussing events in the war.
Sempolinski said he spent time with his grandfather when he was young. He learned he fought in North Africa and received a Purple Heart. He said he learned later from family that his grandfather had not spoken about his experience in the war.
“And I bring him up because I think everybody here has someone (veteran) like in their extended family… I want everyone to maybe spend a moment with those veterans… and listen to them and be with them and to thank them.”
In his remarks, Aiello said, “Since the founding of the Republic, veterans have protected our nation, fought for our values in the quest for our freedom. They have made personal sacrifices… and have experienced loss.”
Aiello added: “It’s on Veterans Day that we thank our veterans for defending the six promises set forth in the U.S. Constituition”: To form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for a common defense, promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty.
“I acknowledge our veterans for their noble service, for their dedication and commitment, for their strength and courage, for their bravery and optimism,” Aiello said. “Happy Veterans Day.”
A high school band member played Taps after a 21-gun salute from members of the service organizations.
The Rev. Kim Rossi of St. Stephen’s Episcoipal Church asked those attending to thank veterans and to remember them and keep them in their prayers. “What they have done for us is something we value and we value them.”
