By RICK MILLER
Olean Star
More than 200 people attended the City of Olean Veterans Day ceremony at War Veterans Park Wednesday.
Officers of the Day, VFW Commander Terry Vaughn and Olean American Legion Commander Shaun App placed a wreath in front of the Veterans Wall of Honor after they rang a bell 11 times.
It signifies the date of the signing of the World War I Armistice at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
Master of ceremonies John Gordnier said the wreath offers “a visible symbol of our nation’s enduring gratitude. Its unbroken circle reminds us that the legacy of those who served will never fade, while its evergreens stand for the steadfast strength of the men and women who wore the uniform. We lay this wreath today in solemn honor of all those who have served, sacrificed and defended our freedom.”
Scouts from the American Legion — Packs 619 and 677 and Troops 619 and 621 led the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Olean High School Band performed the National Anthem.
The Rev. Bruce Lavine of the Olean Presbyterian Church led those gathered in prayer. “We pray for the well-being of each veteran, O Lord, that Your healing presence might surround them. We lift up those who carry wounds, seen or unseen. Bring peace to their minds , comfort to their hearts and healing to their bodies. Bind up the broken-hearted and restore strength where it’s been worn thin.”
The first guest speaker, Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski, reminded the audience that last year’s Veterans Day ceremony came with a foot of snow. “Olean always turns out to support our veterans, and I always think on Veterans Day how lucky we are as Americans” and the freedoms we enjoy. “We only have those freedoms because of our veterans, because there are people who are willing to put their lives on the line for us.”
Sempolinski said as veterans return home, it is important to remember “They have had to see things most of us will never have to see. They’ve had to deal with loss that most of us will never have to deal with.” It is important, he said, “to stand with our veterans who are dealing with challenges that have resulted from their service to this great nation. That could be challenges of physical wounds, but it can also be challenges as far as what’s going on in their minds, as far as their mental health.”
His final message was to veterans in the audience: “Thank you all so profoundly for your service to this great nation.”
In her speech, Olean Mayor Amy B. Sherburne said, “Veterans Day is an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of beauty, courage and commitment. It is a day to recognize those who made the decision to serve, knowing the responsibilities of that decision would extend far beyond themselves.”
The mayor added: “From the battlefields of the First World War to the conflicts and missions of today, each generation of veterans has helped shape the country we are privileged to call home. When we think of the freedoms we enjoy, we often think about the principles written in our Constitution: Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the right to vote and the right to participate in our democracy.” Those words endure “because people have been willing to defend them.”
The Olean High School Choir sang “God Bless America,” at the conclusion of the speeches.
In his benediction, Rev. Lavine asked the audience to “Go in peace and salute the treasure. Honor and respect in our veterans and their families. Treat them, O Lord and the people of Olean as heroes. Bless them, bless their families, bless us and bless our nation.”
After a moment of silence, the Veterans Honor Team fired a salute to veterans and a member of the Olean High School Band played “Taps.”
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