MIDDLETOWN – The message at the Middletown Veterans Day ceremony on Monday was that those who have served should have full community support when they come home.
Town of Wallkill American Legion Commander James Scali had a message for all. “I believe that living in America does not make you an American. Let me explain. “It’s simply being born in our country and having a Social Security number and a birth certification. It takes more than that. To me it takes a level of awareness an American, especially on this day. Our veterans have given so much; their sacrifices that afford us our liberty and freedom that we have,” Scali said.
Middletown Mayor Joseph DeStefano echoed the commitment to our veterans. “There is still a large amount of people, population, that is serving, that has served, that have special needs when they come back home from PTSD or other treatment programs that we who have not served have to support,” he said.
Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther said the best way to thank a veteran is to hire one. “A lack of meaningful work not only carries economic consequences, but can impact psychological and physical wellbeing,” she said.
