From the Mayor’s Office – A Gift

From the Mayor’s Office
Veterans Day 2023

A Gift

The following speech was read by Mayor Newhard at the November 11, 2023, Veterans Day Ceremony in Veterans Memorial Park –

Members of the Veterans of Foreign War Post 4662, the Nicholas P. Lesando, American Legion Post 214, their Auxiliaries, Friends, Neighbors, Scouts, First Responders, invited guests –

Today, we gather to honor and celebrate the men and women who have served our great country. It is a recognition and celebration that is historically all-inclusive, starting from the birth of a nation to this very moment in time.

Today, we share with communities that stretch from East to West and North to South. We gather in solidarity as a country to offer recognition and above all, gratitude.

Locally, we have many events and ceremonies to honor Veterans. On Veteran’s Day Eve, the Warwick Historical Society hosts a Veteran’s Day Remembrance.  Many of us gathered to hear stories, to share experiences, and enjoy the camaraderie that creates community bonds.

Personally, I’ve learned so much through these stories. It has made me aware of the depth of commitment and patriotism, significantly in the form of storied events and moments in time.

It’s through the process of telling and listening that something important occurs – it is a combination of reliving experiences and being supported and loved by our community. It allows for recognition that is multi-generational and offers details to the human side of service.

Beyond today, it is the day-to-day interaction that we have with our Veteran’s, made stronger by the work of both our Veteran’s organizations. Today’s parade and ceremony is sponsored by the VFW. On any given Sunday there is a tent set up at the Farmers’ Market organized by them as well. I look forward to my Sunday visits and to catching up.

The American Legion is involved in youth enrichment, such as sponsoring candidates for Boys and Girls State, or preparing a meaningful Memorial Day ceremony. They also interface with our civic organizations such as the Rotary and their Veteran’s Banner Program and their Flags for Heroes Program.

This Valley of ours has seen generations of men and women serve in times of war and peace. We’ve had to say goodbye and to also welcome home. This is home, it is a constant, a special place, with people we know and love but it’s not through happenstance.

It has been defended throughout time and we are the recipients of that protective hand. It is a gift of such great magnitude that is hard to fully grasp but that connection is very clear and remains close to my heart.

I offer these simple words, ‘Thank You.’ As a community we are grateful and as a nation because of you, we are strong.