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Grateful for our veterans

| 16 Nov 2012 | 01:48
    Photos by Don Webb West Milford police Chief Timothy Storbeck, left, thanked many of the veterans who attended the ceremony for their service including Glenn Wenzel.
    Photos by Don Webb West Milford police Chief Timothy Storbeck, left, thanked many of the veterans who attended the ceremony for their service including Glenn Wenzel.
    Messenger photographer and reporter Don Webb, right, who is also the American Legion Post 289 chaplintakesamomenttothank Marinevet Jack Barrows.
    Messenger photographer and reporter Don Webb, right, who is also the American Legion Post 289 chaplintakesamomenttothank Marinevet Jack Barrows.
    Sharon Bartholonewof Hewitthonoredherfather, Ken Kearney, whopassedaway earlier this year. Shewascarryinghispictureandwearinghismilitary (dog) tags.
    Sharon Bartholonewof Hewitthonoredherfather, Ken Kearney, whopassedaway earlier this year. Shewascarryinghispictureandwearinghismilitary (dog) tags.
    Veterans stood tall while being honored by their township.
    Veterans stood tall while being honored by their township.
    Retired Sgt. 1st Class Ben Beek, left,andactiveduty Sgt. Artie RhinesmithtalkaboutservingtheU.S. Army.
    Retired Sgt. 1st Class Ben Beek, left,andactiveduty Sgt. Artie RhinesmithtalkaboutservingtheU.S. Army.

BY DON WEBB

WEST MILFORD — Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012 in West Milford was unseasonably warm at 61 degrees at 11 a.m. With only 50 days to go until the new year, some folks believed that a higher power was smiling on Americans veterans with the balmy weather.

West Milford, along with many other communities across the country, honored their veterans Sunday during the celebration of Veterans Day.

President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed Armistice Day for Nov. 11, 1919 at the end of World War I, which was called the war to end all wars. The United States Congress later passed a resolution requesting that President Calvin Coolidge issue another proclamation to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies. And the township did just that.

The ceremony was attended by about 50 people, most of whom were veterans themselves.

"Every American should observe this day by remembering our ancestors, family members, loved ones, neighbors and friends who have dutifully served this great Nation to help protect our freedom and our rights," said Mayor Bettina Bieri speaking to the group. "It is important to not only recognize their service and their sacrifices, but to respect their devotion to our country and to all of its people."

One vistor to the ceremony, Sharon Bartholonew of Hewitt, was carrying an old black and white photo. She said she was at the ceremony to honor her father, Ken Kearney, a veteran of the Korean War, who died on Aug. 15, 2012. In addition to the photo she carried, Bartholonew also wore her father's military dog tags. Kearney served six years in the army.

"I believe we would all agree that we owe our thanks and our honor to these heroes, not just today but everyday," Bieri said. "I would encourage everyone to please take the time to actively honor these men and women, our veterans. After all, their willingness to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude."

The ceromony concluded with veterans and others gathering at the American Legion for sandwiches, coffee and cake.

For more photos from the Veterans Day ceremony, go to westmilfordmessenger.com.