Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, who represents the 132nd District, which includes Schuyler County, Yates County and parts of Chemung County, Seneca County, and Steuben County, submitted this essay to Finger Lakes Daily News regarding Veterans Day.
“When people express their feelings about Veterans Day, it’s not uncommon for them to end their messages with three words: no matter what. It’s a beautiful sentiment. No matter what our citizens are experiencing, no matter what adversity we’re facing, no matter what disaster is threatening us, Americans will always make time to thank the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms and our families.
“This morning, as I write this, I had the opportunity to, once again, attend a very moving and special tribute to our veterans at the annual recognition event at Center St. Elementary School in Horseheads. Students and teachers lined the hallways holding American flags and paying tribute to the veterans marching through the school. Students sang songs, including a very moving one where they sang, “We honor you.” The students truly appreciated a chance to say thank you, and the veterans were able to receive a small fraction of the recognition, adulation, and thanks they deserve. It was an incredible tribute by these young students and the entire school as they honored our heroes, our veterans. It is certainly a moment I will always remember and use to remind myself to honor our veterans and say thank you for your service, not just on Veterans Day, but every day throughout the year.
“This year, we get to prove we mean it. It is fitting that Veterans Day is taking place so close to Election Day, a day we only have because our brave veterans stand up and fight for our democracy and freedoms. We owe them so much and can do so much to help them.
“First, as a nation and as a people, we’re resilient in the face of adversity. There has never been a challenge we couldn’t meet. I know brighter days are ahead. Second, I know a brighter future will be built on the foundation laid by every veteran who’s ever served and every active-duty servicemember who continues to fight for the country they love. That’s why it’s so important we make time this Veterans Day to reflect on the courage, service and achievements of the men and women who have served. It’s also important to take action and express our gratitude. We should also think about new ways we can continue to do so throughout the year.
“Teachers can encourage their students to write cards and assemble care packages to send to active-duty personnel during the holidays. You can mail cards to veterans living in the Bath or Canandaigua VA or other nursing home facilities in your community. You can contact the VA and inquire about volunteer opportunities. You can do the same with the Red Cross. These organizations could benefit from the efforts of local volunteers.
“You could bake some cookies or cook a meal for a veteran who lives in your neighborhood and may be far away from family. It can even be as simple as seeing a veteran or active-duty servicemember in your community, stopping and saying to them, “Thank you for your service.” As these heroes never have and never will hesitate to lay down their lives to protect us, our families and our freedoms.
“There are so many ways we can honor and thank our veterans every day. One of the simplest? Work as hard as you can to become the sort of charitable, compassionate and dedicated citizen a stranger would want to fight for. I’ll be praying for and thinking of all of our veterans and active-duty servicemembers this week. I hope you’ll join me. May God bless all of our veterans and their families and may God bless America.”
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