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From the Mayor’s Office
November 11, 2024
Veterans Day
The following speech was read by Mayor Newhard at the November 11, 2024, Veterans Day Ceremony in Veterans Memorial Park –
We gather today to honor the men and women who have served our country. Armistice Day, now called Veterans Day, marked the end of World War I, symbolized by the peace accord which was signed at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
The expression of our gratitude comes in many forms. Today’s parade and ceremony, the Veterans Day Remembrance, a series of storytelling sponsored by the Historical Society, activities at our schools, Wreaths Across America, Veterans’ banners, and flags flown are all simple acts that express admiration and appreciation.
We are a community that recognizes the importance and meaning of service to our country. It is at these gatherings that we can share experiences and thank those who have served. Importantly, this is being repeated in every community throughout America. We gather in solidarity with the understanding of the importance of patriotism, loyalty, and the selfless integrity of a soldier.
In 1936, this land we stand on was deeded to our Village as a public park to be maintained “… as a memorial of all residents of the Town of Warwick who were members of the military and naval forces of the United States Great War.” Recently, we completed the Veterans Memorial Park Master Plan. This exercise and planning document was created with the voices of many stakeholders and citizens. As a result, one of the greatest emphases will be a focus on veterans and celebrating their contributions throughout history. The plan calls for a Patriot’s Path. We have received funding for this project and will begin the design stage shortly. This is one piece of the overall project and will be impactful.
I am grateful we live in a community that has not lost sight of the value of retaining its history for future generations. I’m grateful for our active veterans organizations, who add meaning and help us understand the world through their eyes and experience. We are blessed to have those voices loud and clear among us.
On behalf of the Village Board of Trustees, we honor our veterans for their dedicated service, unwavering support, and commitment to the ideals of our country in times of war and peace. The measure of your work and service is in the freedom we share, which must never be taken for granted, and for that we are truly thankful.
