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The following letter to the editor was written by New York State Assembly member Robert Castelli (R,C 89th District). The 89th State Assembly District consists of Lewisboro, Pound Ridge, Bedford, Mt. Kisco, New Castle, North Castle, Harrison, and most of White Plains.
To the editor:
As we approach the end of a week that has seen local elections and the end to what seemed like a never ending power outage, we turn our thoughts to Veterans Day.
Once long ago it was called Armistice Day, to honor the day when the Armistice, ending the hostilities of World War I was signed. I remember my grandfather telling me when he was a young soldier in France, how on the 11th day, of the 11th month, at 11th hour, all the guns fell silent, and the silence, was deafening. It is at that appointed date and time that the free nations of the world marks their Memorial Day. Since we had a holiday dedicated to those who made the supreme sacrifice for our Nation since the Civil War, we designated this day as Armistice Day and later Veterans Day, to honor all who have served our Nation.
I remember as a boy how men and women on that day, would wear a red poppy in their lapel and parades would mark the day, with citizens turning out to honor their Veterans. I remember also, how that tradition seemed to die off and even the Veterans Day Parade in New York City was canceled once, due to lack of interest. Now as a Nation at peace, with a military at war, we must always remember that the price of Freedom was paid by the countless Veterans who risked or lost their lives to protect it. So on Friday, Veterans day, at 11 AM, take one moment to say a quiet prayer for those who served, now serve and will serve a great Nation, and if you know one, thank a Veteran for their service.
Robert J. Castelli New York State Assembly's 89th District
Assemblyman Castelli is a Vietnam veteran and serves as the ranking member of the Veterans Committee in the New York State Assembly.
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