Veterans salute during ceremony in front of City Hall
KINGSTON – Brisk November weather greeted
over 100 attendees at Kingston City Hall Wednesday morning, as community
members gathered to participate in the city’s annual Veteran’s
Day ceremony.
“Just great to see the crowd show out on a day that started out
very rainy,” said Kingston Veteran’s Association Commander
Bill Forte, who officiated at the event. “Oftentimes, I’m
given credit for it; this was not me. A lot of people did this, and they
should all be recognized,” he said.
Fewer people attended than in previous years, and there were no guest
speakers delivering a keynote address. Outgoing Mayor Shayne Gallo, who
usually reads a poem and makes brief remarks, was noticeably absent, although
his mother Nancy was present. Mayor-elect Steve Noble, and his uncle James,
the city council president, were there, but did not speak.
Forte praised his comrades for their sacrifice and courage. “The
medals and badges they wear is a testament to their service, but the character
and devotion to country, that my brothers and sisters continue t demonstrate
on a daily basis, is the truest indication of our love of country and
the American way of life,” he said.
“In the past, some have tried to taint our ranks by making false
claims, or by trying to ride on the backs of veterans, in order to achieve
their own selfish goals. This is also called stolen valor,” Forte
said.
“I’ll tell you this, if you want to see what makes up a veteran,
don’t look for someone who pats themselves on the back, or seeks
out public recognition. That is not who we are, or what we are about.
We don’t seek to have our name affixed to anything, other than a
small marker, when our duty to God and country has been completed,”
Forte said.
