Veterans salute the flag during services held at the Great Bend VFW Post 6223 on Monday.
BY STACI WILSON
Dr. Kirk Hinkley IV didn’t serve this country behind a rifle. The United State Air Force major, separated, was in the rear of an aircraft – evacuating and treating the most seriously wounded soldiers from Iraq.
Hinkley delivered the Memorial Day keynote speech in services held in Hallstead and New Milford on Monday.
To those gathered at the Hallstead American Legion memorial and those at the memorial in Midtown Park, New Milford, Hinkley spoke of the injuries sustained by the soldiers- “some with less obvious wounds.”
“Call it shell shock, battle fatigue or PTSD – war exacts a heavy toll.”
Dr. Kirk Hinkley IV delivered the keynote address at the services held at the Hallstead American Legion memorial and in Midtown Park in New Milford. STAFF PHOTOS/STACI WILSON
Hinkley called on those in attendance to “honor those lost” and to remember the freedoms that were “fought and paid for by men and women who face unspeakable terrors.”
Hallstead fist held its Memorial Day ceremony in 1947 on the banks of the Susquehanna River. Evergreen trees were planted on the bank in remembrance of the men who didn’t return from World War II.
At that ceremony, auxiliary president Judy Chauncey said a wreath was placed in the river to honor those who had been lost at sea during the war.
That tradition continues – with a bouquet of flowers placed in the river each Memorial Day.
One more evergreen was planted in 1989 to honor Larry Barnard who was killed in Panama.
Flag were flown at half staff during the morning hours to commemorate those who died in service to this country. At noon, the flag returns to full staff.
Veteran Al Aronowitz salutes as the Blue Ridge High School band’s Nick Swaha plays ‘Taps’ at the conclusion of the Memorial Day service in New Miford.
Musa-Stiles VFW Post Senior Vice Commander Lou Brotzman spoke of the 1.2 million U.S. men and women who have perished as the result of military conflicts.
“The men and women we honor today are real people,” he said.
“(Memorial Day) is not about celebrating the start of summer. It’s a solemn day of remembrance,” Brotzman said.
American Legion and VFW members paid tribute to fallen comrades at Memorial Day ceremonies held Monday in Hallstead, New Milford and Great Bend.
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