WPCNR MOMENTS TO REMEMBER. November 11, 2007: A small band of brothers and dignataries gathered in the brisk raw winds of high autumn at the Rural Cemetary today honor America's and White Plains Veterans on what used to be known as Armistace Day, recognizing the day World War I officially ended. Today White Plains American Legion Post 135 regnized  the late Jerry Bates of the United States Marine Corps and Living Veteran  James Dwyer for his long service to White Plains and for his dedication to the well-being of Legion Post 135.

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James Dwyer, who served in the U.S. Navy, is recognized as Living Veteran with wife, Jan and daughter Kathy, looking on as Commander Joseph Waldron presents him with his plaque marking the occasion.

Adele Zucker of the Jewish War Veterans Auxiliary in a poignant anecdote encouraged all to seek out a veteran they know and to thank them for their sacrifice, a simple but meaningful gesture. Perhaps the most meaningful moment was delivered by  Chaplain Robert Donnelly at the close of the Service when he observed that in recent years the ceremonies such as this morning's were mostly made up of veterans recognizing veterans, lamenting that more citizens did not turn out. Chaplin Donnelly closed noting that the veterans have seen too much, watched comrades die, and have tasted the flavor of freedom that no civilian can ever know.

The Firing Squad saluted the memories and the sacrifices with the Rifle Salute firing of their carbines echoing into the sky and Taps was played.

Then the band of rememberers drifted to their cars with their thoughts. I saw one veteran being helped by his daughter, wearing a jacket reading "U.S.S. Hamlin, Iwo Jima, Okinawa." It was a fitting rememberance of names of places that will always recall where freedom was fought for and defended and the price was paid in blood and dreams.

Thank you.